Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police award Arnold Legislator of the Year Award

INDIANAPOLIS - On Wednesday, the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) named State Senator Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte) Legislator of the Year for 2012. The organization recognized Sen. Arnold for providing outstanding service to the law enforcement community while serving as a state senator in Indianapolis.

"This award truly means a lot to me, but I know there is much more to do," Sen. Arnold said. "Police officers and other law enforcement officials go out there every day to protect and serve their communities around Indiana. The least we can do is protect and assist them to the fullest extent.”

“Senator Arnold’s continuing commitment to support the law enforcement agencies in the State of Indiana is nothing short of exceptional,” said Chief Ken Ketzler, co-chair of the IACP Government Relations Committee.  “As a past law enforcement officer, Senator Arnold has a deep understanding of the issues, and has always done everything in his power to protect the men and women who serve the citizens of Indiana on a daily basis.”

Sen. Arnold said these issues are particularly important to him as he has personal experience serving as LaPorte County Sherriff. Sen. Arnold served 36 years in law enforcement, retiring as the LaPorte County Sheriff in 2007. During his 32 years with the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office, Sen. Arnold served as a Deputy, Sergeant, Captain and Chief Deputy before being elected as Sheriff in 1999.

Since joining the State Senate in 2007, Sen. Arnold has pushed a number of legislative initiatives in support of Indiana's law enforcement officials. In 2009, Sen. Arnold successfully sponsored HB 1331, an act requiring all active duty officers be provided torso body armor regardless of local budget constraints.

Sen. Arnold is the Caucus Chairman for the Indiana Senate Democrats. He currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans' Affairs Committee, as well as a number of other Senate standing and study committees.

The Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police is an individual member organization tasked to promote professionalism, training and networking for law enforcement executives and to enhance public awareness of law enforcement and public safety issues.

Sen. Arnold represents District 8 in the Indiana State Senate which encompasses the majority of La Porte County including the City of LaPorte and the eastern part of Michigan City. It also includes western St. Joseph County and Davis, Oregon, Washington, Center and Jackson townships in Starke County.

For more information on Sen. Arnold, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S8.

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