DAVENPORT, Iowa — Police officers and other law enforcement officials put their lives on the line daily, and many go above and beyond their everyday duties to make their communities safer and better.
News 8's Beyond the Badge series pays tribute to those making a difference in their communities. This honor is given in memory of Detective Rick Ryckeghem, a 31-year-veteran of the Moline Police Department and Quad Cities Crime Stoppers coordinator.
Rick lost his battle with cancer in March 2019. His focus throughout his career was to make a difference in the lives of the people he encountered.
We've already introduced you to two officers, so let's get to Davenport Police Sgt. Andrew Harris.
Whether it's mentoring kids through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program or meeting with shoppers during Coffee With a Cop, Harris is always making the time to connect with his neighbors.
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"We're always dealing with the tough days and the crises in our community," said Harris. "So it is good for us as police officers to spend some time and to remember that these are the people that we go to work for every day ... to make sure that they feel safe in their communities."
He's involved in several nonprofits in the area, including Davenport's Good Neighbor Project, which fosters connections between neighborhoods, government and law enforcement to help prevent crime.
"I have been in the neighborhood for 40 years, and he has been there a large part of that time [by] engaging with kids, engaging with families, breaking down barriers," said Leslie Patterson.
That's why she nominated Harris for this award.
"You look in the community, [and] he's the face of the police department," Patterson said. "He's out there, communicating with kids, communicating with our neighborhoods, going to all these meetings, and I don't even know when he gets a break."
Harris humbly accepted his award.
"It's a great reminder just to see how important our partnership with nonprofits that we have in our community, our neighbors, most importantly our neighbors, so it's just a huge honor," Harris said.
Watch more 'Beyond the Badge' stories and more on News 8's YouTube channel