Effinger named Lexington Area Crimestoppers Officer of the Year
Sgt. Matthew Effinger (at the podium) of the Lexington Police Department is the 2023 Lexington Area Crimestoppers Officer of the Year. Davidson County Sherriff, Chris Azelton (holding plaque) and Lt. BJ Daniels, Effinger’s supervisor, are pictured in the background. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Lexington native Matthew Effinger didn’t grow up with dreams of becoming a police officer. However, given his recent accolade, its safe to say he’s found the lane where he can make a lasting difference. At the Richard Childress Racing Event Center, Effinger was named Lexington Area Crimestoppers Officer of the Year on Tuesday evening, April 18.
From a pool of six nominees, he was chosen by a committee composed of local citizens for his dedication to the job, his willingness to serve the community and fellow officers and his professionalism. Notably, he’s the officer credited with solving a 36-year-old cold case earlier this year.
In February, it was announced that LPD had identified a suspect in the 1987 murder of Mary Davis. The alleged offender passed in 2013. When Effinger was assigned the case, he immediately began researching and asking questions.
“I did some brainstorming with people in the know - Todd Kepley in evidence, past investigators. I got a lucky break as far as getting unknown DNA back.”
His diligence in bringing closure is supported by the hours he spent working with the State Bureau of Investigations to develop new leads. According to the nomination letter that was read, it may not come as a surprise to many that Effinger was successful in resolving a case that had waited over three decades for answers. A portion of the letter states, “ Sgt. Effinger is a diligent worker, has a great work ethic and manages many cases when they come up. Sgt. Effinger is very patient and is always willing to listen to officers, citizens and victims. I see younger officers come to him for guidance and usually leave with a smile after they speak with him. Sgt. Effinger exemplifies what it is to be an outstanding officer.”
After receiving his award, Effinger briefly spoke where he credited those who helped him solve the case as well as his mentors and family. He closed with by giving all glory to God.
Effinger’s Lieutenant, BJ Daniels, shared his thoughts about his officer. “Matt is a great person who is liked by everybody and is always willing to help and develop new officers. He brings new ideas and investigative techniques to the Criminal Investigations Unit. Matt has a great passion to help citizens in the city that he grew up in. He’s very dedicated and loyal to the city. Matt has a bright future ahead of him.”
LPD Chief Robby Rummage said “I am very proud of Sgt Effinger. He represents well the professionalism that is prevalent in law enforcement. Sgt Effinger has served our community for many years. To be recognized among so many other outstanding law enforcement officers is an honor that Sgt. Effinger is worthy of. I know him to be a humble servant who wishes every officer could receive such an honor. I am proud to serve with him and to know that he is among the professional police leaders that we count on to provide the utmost in professional police service.”
In between hugs, pictures and handshakes, the newest officer to have his name added to the plaque that received its first recipient in 1986, shared his desires moving forward.
“I hope to solve more cold cases and be a better officer everyday. Now that I’ve been promoted I want to help prepare others to be promoted and moved up.”
Law enforcement officers nominated for Officer of the Year, in addition to Effinger, were:
Bobby Welch -Davidson County Sherriff’s Office
Michael Swaney - Lexington Police Department
Kaleb Forrest - Davidson County Sherriff’s Office
Todd Kepley - Lexington Police Department
Mark Leonard - North Carolina Highway Patrol
At the suggestion of a fellow officer, Lt. BJ Daniels of the Lexington Police Department announced there would be a new award presented: The Civilian of the Year Award. Those eligible for the honor aren’t sworn law enforcement but are integral members of the departmental operation. Deborah Webb from the Davidson County Probation and Parole Office was bestowed the inaugural award.
Shannon Koontz from DCPPO recited a list of her responsibilities which includes servicing five units, answering phones, handling inventory, greeting visitors and getting about “400 calls a day” from colleagues who’ve forgotten their password.
All photos by Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local.
