Austin earns police department’s employee of the year

Mint Hill Police Sgt. Michael Austin has been named the department’s employee of the year. Paul Nielsen/MMHW photo

MINT HILL – Chief of Police Tim Ledford recognized Sgt. Michael Austin as the Mint Hill Police Department’s employee of the year at the town commissioners meeting on Feb. 14

Austin serves in the patrol division, assigned as the shift sergeant for the C Shift. He has been with the department since 2003. Austin worked his way through the ranks and serves in the “vital role” as field training officer for new hires.

Ledford said Austin is well respected by his peers for his maturity, leadership and professionalism.

“Austin has been recognized for his adaptability, dependability, judgment and courage to name a few,” Ledford told commissioners. “Sgt. Austin is a supervisor that will recognize when his guys are swamped with calls and pick up a call and complete a report without incident.

“Austin acts as a true supervisor by not only telling his officers what to do, but by being out there and showing them how to handle different situations. He is willing to answer all the questions his guys have and will back them up on any call.”

Several officers attended the meeting, and Mayor Ted Biggers praised the department for its work in protecting the town.

“We appreciate everything you do maintaining law and order in our community,” Biggers said. “To the families, we appreciate you guys for supporting these officers. We pray for you guys on a daily basis.”