The Arizona Department of Public Safety is recognizing Otto Walters as the District Three Sergeant of the Year and Troy Merrill as the District Three Officer of the Year. Sgt. Walters has played a significant role in criminal interdiction, DUI enforcement, officer safety, and public safety. He is noted as an exemplary leader and supervisor who is also an adjunct professor through Northland Pioneer College, where he teaches collision investigation to future law enforcement officers through the Northern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy. In addition to work, Sgt. Walters is actively involved in his community and serves as a deacon for his church. He is a longtime resident of Holbrook, and shares his home with his wife Glenda. Officer Merrill is a certified Drug Recognition Expert, firearms instructor, and certified horizontal gaze nystagmus instructor. He was recognized by Mothers against Drunk Driving as the 2014 MADD Officer of the Year for his efforts to remove impaired drivers from the road. In 2014, Officer Merrill made a total of 865 violator stops, wrote 235 hazardous, 133 non-hazardous and 51 restraint citations. He arrested eight felony aggravated DUI suspects, 26 misdemeanor DUI suspects, 26 other suspected felony offenders, 22 suspected misdemeanor offenders and 14 drug suspects. He assisted 70 stranded motorists and investigated 24 motor vehicle crashes. Officer Merrill has a professional demeanor when dealing with colleagues, outside agencies and members of the public. His work ethic is exceptional, and sets an example for both new and veteran officers. In addition to work, Officer Merrill is actively involved in his community. He has participated in local law enforcement events to raise money for Special Olympics, assists with local food banks, youth church programs and serves as a leader for Boy Scouts. Officer Merrill shares his home in Snowflake with his wife Amy and their five children.