The Derby Optimist Club, currently celebrating their 40th year, hopes to instill a strong respect for law in local children through their Respect for Law program.

For over 20 years, members of the Optimists have been recognizing the men and women who serve in the Derby Police Department. Once a year, the club recognizes a single officer.

On June 24, they honored Derby Master Police Office (MPO) Kevin Jones at The Oaks Country Club in Derby.

Derby Police Chief Jay Reyes, along with Derby Optimist Club President Phil Hunt, Respect for Law Chairwoman Lois Landwehr, and Jones’ wife, four children, sister and father, were on hand to honor Jones at the event. Several Derby club members also attended.

The Optimist’s believe it is important for children to grow up with a strong belief in abiding by the law, respecting law enforcement and doing what they can to maintain peace. The Respect for Law program with the community helps in this effort.

In July 1965, a discussion between past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, resulted in the birth of the Respect for Law program. This is the fourth most popular program in the Optimists with more than 1,500 clubs, including Derby, participating last year.

For more information about the program, visit www.optimist.org.