Optimist Club of Jasper seeking nomination for 2026 Respect for Law awards

Annual awards honor outstanding law enforcement and exceptional community volunteers

The Optimist Club of Jasper is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Respect for Law Awards, recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to law enforcement and community safety in the Jasper area. The nomination deadline is April 30, 2026.

Two awards will be presented this year:

The Outstanding Law Enforcement Award recognizes a law enforcement professional — on duty or off — who has demonstrated exceptional involvement, extraordinary support, and outstanding initiative in advancing local law enforcement, particularly in the areas of juvenile and education programs. Candidates should embody the Optimist values of caring, courage, equity, integrity, openness, respect, transparency, and trustworthiness.

The Respect for Law Outstanding Citizen Award honors a Jasper citizen who, without regard for their own well-being, has assisted local law enforcement or contributed through selfless volunteer work. Recipients must have served without compensation and made a meaningful impact on community safety and respect for law — with special consideration given for ongoing service to the community.

Both awards will be presented at the Optimist Club of Jasper and Fraternal Order of Police Respect for Law Dinner and Law Enforcement Candlelight Ceremony, to be held in May 2026.

Nominations are encouraged from leaders of the Jasper Police Department, Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police District 34 (Jasper), and the Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as any community member.

To submit a nomination, complete the nomination form and mail or email it by April 30, 2026, to:

Optimist Club of Jasper, Attn: Jeff Jessee P.O. Box 435, Jasper, IN 47547-0435 Email Jeffjessee1976@gmail.com