The Sugar Land Police Department’s first employee of the year award went to a police officer who made more than 70 arrests last year, including 18 for driving while intoxicated.

Officer Charles KrachalaOfficer Charles Krachala, 39, made several of his DWI arrests during the day, but he regularly volunteers for additional overnight hours during special DWI enforcement initiatives.

"Chuck makes thousands of contacts a year," said Sgt. Wayne Coleman, Krachala’s supervisor, "and he very rarely has anyone call to complain on the way they were treated. They may not like the citation received, but they will always say that he was professional."

The 2010 employee of the year trophy, a replica of the Guardian statue in front of the police department, was presented to Krachala at Safari Texas Ranch on Feb. 4 during the first SLPD Employee Awards Banquet, an event attended by more than 250 people.

The SLPD Meritorious Conduct Board selected Krachala based on his dedication to public safety and work ethic throughout 2009.

Krachala wrote more than 3,000 traffic citations from Oct. 1, 2008, to Sept. 15, 2009 — 18 percent of SLPD’s entire ticket count last year.

"To put this in perspective, the nearest officer to him wrote just over 1,600 citations," said Coleman.

During the last year, Krachala also:

• worked more than 60 traffic accidents;

• volunteered for special assignments;

• conducted media interviews and ride-alongs to educate the community about traffic enforcement initiatives;

• hosted citizen ride-alongs to help promote a better understand of city services;

• volunteered at the National Day of Prayer event;

• taught SLPD’s Community Assistance Support Team how to use ticket writers; and

• researched and priced equipment needed by the Traffic Division.

Krachala was hired by the Sugar Land Police Department in March 1994 after he worked one year at the La Vernia Police Department.

Others honored during the awards banquet included the following:

• Community Assistant Support Team member Deb Smith was named volunteer of the year.

• Ralph Twist was named Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association volunteer of the year.

• Capt. Michelle Allen was named Police Officer of the Year for CPAAA.

• Lt. Johnny Bauer and Mary Masters were recognized for 2009 Re-Accreditation.

• The Guardian Statue and replica employee of the year award were designed and created by local sculptor Bob Pack, who was recognized for his efforts.