Bastow named Peace Officer of the Year

Sergeant Steve Bastow was awarded a plaque as the 2009 Peace Officer of the Year for the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Housing Rehabilitation Officials. Front row from left: Nevada Police Captain Casey Crain, Sgt. Steve Bastow and Jimmy Dye. Back row: NAHRO official Tom Barnett and executive director of Nevada Housing Authority Carol Branham. --submitted photo

Nevada, Mo. -- Sergeant Steve Bastow is well known around Nevada, he has been a member of the Nevada Police Department since 2001 and an EMT for the Vernon County Ambulance District before that. Bastow is a life-long resident and graduated from Nevada High School in 1986. He attended Missouri Southern State College's police academy.

Bastow is well known among the residents of the Nevada Housing Authority as well. Executive Director Carol Branham said that he had a way with the residents who really appreciate his efforts.

"Steve has really been a help here," Branham said. "The residents really appreciate him and all he has done for us."

Branham was so impressed with Bastow's performance she nominated him for 2009 Peace Officer of the Year from the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Housing Rehabilitation Officials. Bastow won the award and it was presented at a ceremony in Jefferson City.

Branham said Bastow worked closely with the housing authority staff and had been instrumental in reducing vandalism, drugs and crime in general at the developments.

"He keeps open communication with our staff on any incident and that partnership has helped our agency to achieve very positive changes," Branham said. "He has helped to contribute a level of confidence in his communication with the residents as well as the staff."

Branham said that Bastow sought to find solutions to any problems the agency had.

"He has helped to bring issues to the table for solutions, always looking ahead to how we can better educate and communicate with everyone involved," Branham said.

"This level of communication has allowed our agency to be proactive rather than reactive in situations."

"Sergeant Bastow is adaptable, considerate, trustworthy, optimistic and resourceful," Branham said in his nomination letter. "His high moral and ethical standards are exemplified in his role with the police department and in his personal life."

Branham said Bastow was willing to help, even if it means working outside his assigned hours.

"Sgt. Bastow is willing to do programs and assist our agency whether on duty or off," Branham said.

"I wholeheartedly recommend Sgt. Bastow for this award and hope that the committee will give serious consideration to the nomination."