Nominated by her fellow officers, Morgan Woodard was named Officer of the Year and presented with her award during the April 1 meeting of the Perryville Board of Aldermen by Capt. Ryan Worthington of the Perryville Police Department.
“Morgan started her career as an officer with our department on March 8th, 2023, as a police cadet,” he said in his presentation to the aldermen. “She attended the SEMO Police Academy, and upon graduation, she was moved from the Cadet Program to a full-time officer.”
According to Worthington, Woodard’s fellow officers carry out the nomination process. Some of their responses were as follows:
“Morgan conducts herself professionally and above what an officer of two to three years is typically capable of. She possesses many great leadership qualities in both her superior work and her hard work ethic. She exemplifies what it means to be a commissioned peace officer within the Perryville Police Department.”
“Morgan is quick to help other officers with questions and advise on how to handle different situations and how to interact with people.”
“Morgan is always looking to better herself and the department, whether it is with her knowledge of the law, her ability to utilize resources when conducting investigations, or her proactive police work. She has great attention to detail and strives to give everything 100 percent.”
Worthington said, “These are just a few of the reasons Morgan was nominated by her fellow officers.
“I have observed Morgan and her work ethic since she started with our department. What I have seen is what I would like to see in all of our officers. She is a very positive influence within the department. She is always available when called upon and does an outstanding job. She is preparing herself for future leadership and is a valuable asset to the citizens of Perryville. It is my honor to congratulate her as the 2025 Officer of the Year.”
Worthington’s presentation concluded with the board of aldermen giving Officer Woodard a standing ovation.
