Being a police officer isn't just about chasing criminals and writing tickets. At least that's how Maggie Valley Police Officer Joshua Schick sees it.

To him, giving back to the community and setting high moral standards for his peers are just two important elements to his job.

Because of that, Schick was recently presented the fifth annual Jerry Smith Officer of the Year Award, given by the Haywood County chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police.

The award is peer nominated and given each year to the officer who has most gone above and beyond his or her call of duty, said local FOP President Jeff Haynes.

It can be given to any officer, regardless of agency, and in the past has even gone to a state probation officer.

Schick fit the bill last year, with his consistent, calm demeanor which ...