National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day occurs annually on January 9. This national observance allows citizens the opportunity to acknowledge the public service of all the brave men and women who have previously served or are currently serving as law enforcement officers. In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Officers Stephen Turnmeyer and Anamalia Stogner share their experience working for the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) and what motivated them to choose a career in public safety.

Traditionally, the city of Valdosta would honor its Police Department at an Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Ceremony. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the city has since switched to a Mayoral Proclamation, which will be streamed via Facebook live on Monday, January 10, at 10 am.

In addition to the proclamation, the city has chosen to highlight longtime School Resource Officer Stephen Turnmeyer and Patrol Officer Anamalia Stogner for the incredible work they do each day.

Officer Turnmeyer has been with VPD since September of 2002 and has spent nearly ten years of his career working as a School Resource Officer. Turnmeyer decided on a career in Law Enforcement because he wanted to help. More specifically, he wanted to help children, which led him to work in the school system. “Growing up, I faced some difficulties. My father was not present for my teenage years, and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment with my mother and two brothers. I got into Law Enforcement because I wanted to help children that grew up the same way I did. As someone who has been there, I can relate to what some of these kids are going through,” said Officer Turnmeyer.

Initially, he started as a School Resource Officer working at the old Valdosta High School for about three years. Currently, he works at Valdosta Middle School, where he has been working for eight years. This transition has allowed Turnmeyer to make a difference on a second generation of students, as he mentored some of their parents at VHS. “Every morning I am in front of the school to greet the students as they arrive, and I will have parents honk their horns and say good morning, Officer T. They will even hold up the line to tell their stories about me to their kids and to go to me if they need anything. To have those parents acknowledge me from eight or nine years ago mean a lot to me,” said Turnmeyer.

Officer Turnmeyer says that it is not unusual for students to knock on his door for advice or guidance. He enjoys sitting down with students and helping them work through any issues they may be having. He says, “When students knock on my door and tell me they have a problem, I will sit down with them and talk it out. It is important to me to help because you will see a student come in angry and having a bad day, but their entire day has turned around by the time they leave my office. I wear this uniform because I am here to help. I want people to believe in us and trust that they can come to us.”

When asked how residents can best show their appreciation, Officer Turnmeyer said a simple, “Thank you for what you do,” goes a long way.

Officer Anamalia Stogner will celebrate two years with VPD as of March 2022. Stogner always knew she wanted a career in Law Enforcement. After her husband completed his service in the Military, the two decided to settle down in Valdosta, where Anamalia could have a shot at her dream job.

As the second oldest of six children, Officer Stogner feels like helping people was installed in her at a young age. “Growing up, I was like a second mom to my siblings. I was always there to help. In my heart, I feel that I am meant to serve people. That is what drove me to become a Police Officer,” said Stogner.

To Stogner, being a Patrol Officer means so much more than making arrests. She knows that when people contact Law Enforcement, they require assistance, and having the opportunity to help people on their most challenging days is what brings her joy. She says, “When we are dispatched to assist with an issue, we get there, and you can see the sadness in people’s faces, but by the time we leave, they end up with a smile on their face, it makes it worth it to me.”

She recalls a particular accident that involved an elderly resident where the lady was sent to the hospital to ensure she was not injured. Officer Stogner was concerned for the woman and even followed up with a phone call a few days later to check in on her. She can still remember how appreciative the resident was for that call.

Like Officer Turnmeyer, Stogner says that being thanked for her service is a fantastic feeling and all the appreciation she needs.

Every day Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file put their lives on the line for their communities. They answer the call to service, which can sometimes be dangerous and demanding.

In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we thank you for your service and offer a token of gratitude to Law Enforcement Officers all across the nation.

To our Valdosta Police Department, the city recognizes the job you do to keep our city safe and the positive impact you have made on our community due to the various outreach efforts implemented throughout the years.

Though we cannot thank you enough, we take this day to honor your service.