John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Award
Deputy Grafton Bowersox was recognized with the John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Award during the Centerville Noon Optimist Club meeting on May 13.
Deputy Bowersox serves as a school resource officer and was honored for his exceptional dedication, outstanding achievements, and genuine passion for his profession.
"Before I speak about Deputy Bowersox’s accomplishments, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank those who established and continue to uphold the John P. Kalaman Award. This award stands as a lasting tribute to the values of service, sacrifice, and integrity that John embodied -- and it serves as a powerful reminder of the standard we all strive to uphold. We are grateful for this tradition, which allows us to recognize those who carry that legacy forward in their daily work," said Washington Township Police Director Captain Josh Samples. "Deputy Bowersox is a clear reflection of those principles and values. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the students and staff at our Schools. His work as a school resource officer has gone well beyond the call of duty."
Thank you, Deputy Bowersox, for spearheading safety improvements in our local schools!
About the Award
The Respect for Law program began in 1965 and has grown to be one of the most popular in Optimism, with 1,500 Optimist clubs participating last year.
Shortly after the Centerville Noon Optimist Club was charted in 1968, they adopted an annual Respect for Law Award in cooperation with the Centerville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Washington Township substation.
Every year, one person is selected for the City of Centerville Police Department and one person is selected for the Washington Township Substation of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Nominations are accepted from the peers of those eligible. All employees of the department are eligible, not just police officers, to receive the CNO Respect for Law Award. Each recipient receives a Respect for Law Award plaque.
On Jan. 12, 1998, Centerville Police Officer John P. Kalaman and Washington Township Firefighter Robert O’Toole were fatally injured during a traffic accident investigation on Interstate 675. The late Club member Terry Blair provided the impetus to name the Respect for Law Award in John Kalaman’s honor. At the same time, a Firefighter/EMT of the Year Award was created to honor Robert O’Toole, which is presented in October each year.