A family affair: Wife joins husband as Oro Valley's top cops

This year Officer Kara Sickelbower took the title, just a year after her husband, Steve, a sergeant for the department, received the same honor.

That they've both received the award is a joke at the Police Department. But the award itself is no laughing matter.

"It's been a fortunate thing for us," said Steve, who has been with OVPD for six years. "The committee is wondering if there are any more Sickelbowers they can give the award to."

The distinction of Officer of the Year is awarded by the Foothills Optimist Club. Kara said she was surprised and excited upon hearing she'd won.

"My whole job is helping people, and to have only been here two years and get this award, well, that is pretty exciting," she said. "I never expected it."

"We try to promote positive people who go above and beyond in their job," said Randy Shouse, chairman of the Foothills Optimist Club, which has given the award for the past four years. It does so in May, Optimist "Respect for Law Month."

Chosen by her police peers

A group of Oro Valley police employees, along with Chief Danny Sharp, selects the Officer of the Year, Shouse said.

"It's tough to pick an Officer of the Year because we have so many quality officers," Sharp said. "They (the Sickelbowers) serve this community very well, I feel fortunate to have both of them working for the department."

Having worked in law enforcement for 15 years, first with the Tucson International Airport police force and the past two years with the Oro Valley Police Department, Kara followed her husband and her desire to work for Sharp to Oro Valley.

Sharp has known Kara since she began her law enforcement career — he was the training director of the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy while she was a recruit.

"I was impressed with her as new recruit and she continues to impress me as a professional officer," Sharp said. "She represents the community and the department well."

Kara said she loves Oro Valley and her co-workers.

"It's a relaxed atmosphere with fun people," she said. "Because there aren't a lot of high-stress calls, it's a more proactive agency — I get to get out there and talk to people."

Community "can count on her"

Walking through local stores and the library, she meets residents. Kara said being out in the community is one of her favorite things about the job.

"I respect the public," Sickelbower said. "And no matter what anyone has done, I treat everyone the same, without fail. I want to be fair and equal."

She also said she enjoys working with Oro Valley families.

"I raise my family here and the things that happen here affect me as well," Kara said.

The Sickelbowers have a 4-year-old daughter, who thinks being a police officer is nothing unusual.

"She thinks every parent is a policeman," Kara said. "Even her friend at school has a parent that works with us."

Steve said his wife has taught him more about being a police officer than anyone else.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," he said. "She's impacted a lot of new officers in positive ways. She's very much a go-getter and she leads by example."

Describing the award as "the ultimate honor," Kara said it's the first award she's received in her line of work. "I'm so grateful they even considered me."

Co-workers who see Kara in action every day are pleased she recieved the recognition.

"She's a very hard worker and a caring and kind person," said Liz Wright, the department's public-information officer. "She helps everyone — at work and in the community. You can count on her to be there."