A wreath laying ceremony was held Monday in front of the Parkersburg City Building by Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 79 to commemorate Police Week locally. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG – Area police officers were honored for duty and service to the community Monday as the Fraternal Order of Police held its annual Police Week Ceremony.

Officers from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Vienna Police Department and the Williamstown Police Department gathered for a wreath laying ceremony in front of the Parkersburg City Building and for an awards luncheon at the Wood County Resiliency Center.

“This week gives us a chance to reflect, show gratitude and come together in supoort of the men and women who serve in law enforcement each and every day,” said Officer Ryan Black of the Vienna Police Department who is the President of the local FOP Lodge 79.

“Here in Wood County we are fortunate serving our communities,” Black added. “These officers put on the badge every day knowing there are risks involved, yet they continue to serve with professionalism, courage and commitment.”

He talked about how every shift is different for officers and how they never know what they could be facing when they report to work and answer a call. He also talked about the support each officer’s families and the time they give up as well so the officers can serve the community.

The Charles L. Plum Memorial Award (Officer of the Year) was presented to Ryan Black of the Vienna Police Department and FOP Lodge 79 president during the Police Week awards ceremony on Monday. He is pictured with Moore Capito, United States Attorney of the Southern District of West Virginia, and Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“Whether it is a routine day or a critical incident, they show up ready to protect and serve their communities,” Black said. “To all the families, I want to say thank you. Your support sacrifice means more than words can express.”

In addition to honoring officers for their daily service to their communities, Black also brought attention to the officers who died in the line of duty.

Last year, there were 111 officers nationally who died in the line of duty, officials said adding that number is down 25 percent but it is still a tremendous loss. So far this year, there have been 38 officers lost in the line of duty nationally, Black said.

“We will make sure their service and sacrifice is never forgotten,” he said.

National Police Week was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy as a way to honor those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their communities as well as helping others on what could be the worst days of their lives.

Moore Capito, United States Attorney of the Southern District of West Virginia, was the featured speaker for the FOP Lodge 79 Police Week awards in Wood County held Monday at the Wood County Resiliency Center. Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“We wear the badge as not just a symbol of authority, but as a symbol of trust,” Black said. “Even the smallest interaction can make a difference in someone’s life.”

Moore Capito, United States Attorney of the Southern District of West Virginia, was the featured speaker for the event.

He spoke of being humbled by being around so many dedicated police officers and the local leadership. He mentioned officers who did their duty on a daily basis while also balancing family commitments.

“I think you are all great,” he said. “This is a week we set aside to remind ourselves of the service each and everyone of you do every single day.”

Every 61 seconds something bad happens to a police officer in this country, Capito said. “You are all in one of those professions that demands perfection.

The Gary D. Deem Lifetime Achievement Award given to retired Vienna Police Chief Carl Powell during the FOP Lodge 79 annual awards luncheon on Monday to commemorate Police Week. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“To wield your craft you have to be dynamic in the heart, the mind, your heart and your gut. You have to use your gut to tell you what to do in that moment, all of which can happen in a matter of seconds.”

Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board presented awards to five of his officers.

Patrolman D.P. Logan received a Commendation Citation for his professionalism, hard work and willingness to help other officers. In 2025, he made 166 arrests, the most for an officer in Wood County.

Patrolman I.D. McNally received a Department Citation for carried a man from a burning house fire as the man was unable to walk on his own. Since it was winter, McNally carried him to a neighbor’s house so the man could stay warm.

Patrolman J.D. Cunningham received the department’s Life Saving Award for saving a 71-year-old woman he was sent to do a welfare check on. The woman had become in an altered state and could only communicate making a tapping sound on an upstairs window. Cunningham followed the sound and found her as she she responded to his calls and got her medical help which ended up saving her life.

Ryan Black, president of FOP Lodge 79, along with United States Attorney Southern District of West Virginia spoke at a wreath laying ceremony outside the Parkersburg City Building on Monday to commemorate Police Week in Wood County. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Det. M.W. Eichhorn II and Det.C.M. Mathess each received a Department Citation for their actions in regards to a shooting last December at Southwood Park close to Gihon Elementary School. The detectives were familiar with the suspect and his address. They went to the address and saw him leaving. They were able to apprehend him six minutes after the crime occurred, Board said.

Other awards given out included the Distinguished Citizens of the Year Awards to Denise Carpenter and Raymond Myers for the time they have dedicated to local police in helping the FOP with events and other functions as well as the support they provide local officers and asking what they can do to help out.

The Gary D. Deem Lifetime Achievement Award given to retired Vienna Police Chief Carl Powell after almost 21 years of service to the area working as a officer, detective, part of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and as a chief..

“Regardless of the assignment or title, Chief Powell approached every role with professionalism, integrity and a true passion for law-enforcement,” Black said. “He built strong relationships within the department and throughout the community, earning the respect of the officers he worked beside as well as the citizens he proudly served.”

The Charles L. Plum Memorial Award (Officer of the Year) was presented to Black.

“Ryan has dedicated more than a decade of his life to serving others and has had a distinguished career in law-enforcement,” Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard said adding Black has served as a patrolman and detective, working child sex crimes and more. He has worked as a school resource officer at Jackson Middle School, a hostage negotiator and other roles.

Black has served with the Parkersburg Police Department and the Vienna Police Department after returning to the Mid-Ohio Valley after serving with departments in Arlington, Virginia.

Black has helped organize numerous community focused events, including the FOP Drug Free Picnic/Pool Party, Trunk or Treat event, Spring Slam Pickleball Tournament and the Shop with a Cop program at Christmas.

“Receiving this award, truly means a lot,” Black said adding he was dealing with a loss in his family when the vote occurred. “I see around 50 officers in this room that deserve this award as much as I do.

“I think that speaks to the quality of the officers that we have in Wood County.”

Contact Brett Dunlap at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com