Officer Nick Bails was named the 2024 R.L. “Bob” Jones Memorial Officer of the Year Award at the Oxford Police Department’s annual Oxford Peace Officers’ Officer of the Year Banquet Friday evening.

Bail has been with OPD for four years. Nominated for the award by Cpl. Hillary Smith, Bails is the 28th recipient of the award.

Bails said he is thankful for being a part of OPD.

“I”m fortunate to work for a department with great leadership and officers,” he said. “I’d also like to thank my wife and family for supporting me through all the challenges that come with this profession.

OPD Chief Jeff McCutchen said Bails stood out as an exceptional individual since he started at OPD.

“He is intelligent, dedicated, and deeply committed to serving the community with wisdom and

compassion,” McCutchen said. “Whether through his reports or his videos, it’s evident that Nick approaches his work with both professionalism and genuine care for the people he serves.”