WS Chronicle

During the monthly public safety news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 11, Officer Nick Powell was named 2016 Officer of the Year.

According the Winston-Salem Police Department around 2  a.m. on Jan. 4, 2016, Powell, a six-year veteran with the Winston-Salem Police Department, was shot multiple times during a routine traffic stop on Business 40 East near Lowery Street. After stopping a white Nissan for speeding, Officer A.D. Garner smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked the three men inside to step out.

Before Garner could search the vehicle, Gary Lynn of Raleigh attempted to drive away in the vehicle and Officer Powell tried to stop him. During the tussle, the suspect pulled a handgun and shot Officer Powell several times. Reports show that Powell never pulled his weapon. Following a short stay at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Powell returned to his normal duties with the WSPD.

For his bravery, and willingness to put his own life on the line, Officer Powell was awarded a plaque and a brand-new Hamilton watch from Windsor Jewelers. Each year Windsor honors the Officer of the Year for their hard work and dedication.

Rob Simon, who presented Powell with the token of gratitude said, “one of the greatest honors we have every year is to help recognize police officer of the year.”

He said, “We have a lot of wonderful things going on in our community and we know just being a retail merchant we rely on the protection of the police force.”

Earlier this year Lynn pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, possession of a firearm by a felon, and fleeing to elude arrest.