The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER 1999

OFFICER MITCH ADAIR
MESA (AZ) POLICE DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Officer Mitch Adair, of the Mesa (AZ) Police Department as its Officer of the Month for September 1999.

There aren't very many people in the world today who can say they've influenced the lives of more than one or two people, but Officer Mitch Adair receives the credit for more than 30 young men across the country who became law enforcement officers because of his work. In the years to come, that number will continue to grow. Officer Adair believes the young people of today are the future; the leaders of tomorrow and he has dedicated his career to helping those youngsters achieve their dreams.

Janice Strauss, Chief of Police of the Mesa Police Department says of her dedicated officer, "It's pretty impressive the number of lives that Officer Adair has impacted throughout his career. He has gained the Mesa Police Department and other law enforcement organizations many recruits. He sets an example not only for what a police officer should be, but also for what a human being should be."

The recipient of numerous commendations, awards, and citations, including Mesa's "Outstanding Young Citizen" and Arizona's nominee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year, Officer Adair began his career in June of 1985. Being a cop had been a childhood dream. Combined with a strong desire to make a contribution and help the citizens of his community, Officer Adair uses education as his weapon of choice. He has never fired his gun in the line of duty.

Keeping the streets of Mesa safe for its young people was always a priority with Officer Adair. While still a young patrol officer, he began volunteering his time with the Explorer's Program and by 1991 had received the Unit Citation for volunteering over 10,000 hours. According to his supervisor, Lt. Sandy Driscoll, "Officer Adair is an outstanding individual as a citizen, and as a police officer."

Five years ago, having received the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to an adult, Officer Adair was assigned the full time position of advisor to the Mesa Police Department Explorer Program. His goal is simple, recruit youngsters into the Explorer Program and mold them into future law enforcement officers for Mesa and other law enforcement organizations throughout the country.

As chairperson of the Law Enforcement Cluster, he has the responsibility for coordinating the regional area Explorer activities. He also oversees the Explorer President's Adair is also a tactical driving instructor, a member of the Mesa PD's recruiting team, and coordinator for the Incident Command Van, Mesa's portable police station.