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Ottawa Deputy recognized for outstanding customer service

Posted at 12:59 AM, Oct 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-30 00:59:07-04
Deputy Brad Bennett receives the Ottawa County Outstanding Customer Service Award for the third quarter of 2015 (Courtesy Photo)

Deputy Brad Bennett receives the Ottawa County Outstanding Customer Service Award for the third quarter of 2015 (Courtesy Photo)

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich – It was late July when Deputy Brad Bennett first learned what his extended efforts to help a family in need meant to the Ottawa County community.  Now, he’s earning special recognition for his actions.

It was July 21st when the White family were on their way home from Ann Arbor after getting a biopsy done for their father who’d recently found out he has cancer.  The family was driving along I-96 near Coopersville when their car broke down on the side of the highway.  What happened next led a daughter in the family to enter this nomination:

“…Officer Bennett pulled over and was extremely kind and helpful. He took my dad to get gas and he then filled the car for us, he stayed while we tried to start it but unfortunately it wouldn’t start. He gave us a ride to the gas station where the car was being towed to. He had to leave after that but we did end up getting the car started. With all the negative attention police officers are getting lately I think the positive needs to be talked about too! He gave me a great memory with my dad that I will never forget! If this somehow reaches you Officer Bennett, Thank you so much for your service. You are a wonderful person and a great role model!! Thank you for making our day!”

We heard from both the family and Deputy Bennett shortly after they met in July.  Word of the deputy’s actions spread quickly, earning thousands of likes and a lot of shares on Facebook.

This week, the county announced Deputy Bennett was selected to receive the Outstanding Customer Service Award for the third quarter of 2015.  The county selected Bennett partly because of the family’s nomination.

Deputy Bennett has worked four years in Ottawa County as a Sheriff’s Cadet, and three years as a Deputy.

“We thank Deputy Bennett for his commitment to customer service. The Sheriff’s Office commits itself to a high level of service for the community it serves. Deputy Bennett’s actions are a fine example of his commitment to community,” said Captain Valerie Weiss.

You can see the initial interviews with both Deputy Bennett and the family involved from July in the video player below: