Centerville police staff member earns Kalaman award

A city police staff member was awarded the John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Award from the Noon Optimist Club of Centerville.

Christine Smart was recognized during the Monday City Council meeting for the award she received during the Noon Optimist Club’s May 12 luncheon, according to the city of Centerville. The award is named in memory of Centerville police officer John Kalaman, who was killed in the line of duty in 1998.

Smart has worked part-time since 1997 for the Centerville Police Department as grant writer, purchasing manager and accreditation manager as part of her staff services coordinator position. She first joined the department in 1985 as a police cadet and was promoted to police officer two years later. She served as the juvenile officer from 1989-94, when she left the department. She returned in 1996 to work part time as a civilian, according to the city.