A Lubbock resident received an award from police for returning money after an ATM malfunction.
Police said Ronald Ray was at an Alliance Credit Union branch in Lubbock on March 1, when the machine had a problem.
“It just started spitting out money at me,” Ray said, as the machine fed him about $600 in cash.
“I grabbed (the money) and went to the bank and they were closed,” he said. Nobody answered the door when he knocked.
“This lady came over and said, ‘They’re closed,” and I said, ‘What am i supposed to do with all this money,’ and everybody just kind of looked at me funny,” he added.
That woman turned out to be a Lubbock Police officer in plain clothes who was working security for the bank.
“This is the essence of true character, moral and ethical conduct, and leadership that our community and society needs from good citizens,” police said at the ceremony. “While some in our society may have simply disappeared with this money, your actions went above and beyond the normal course of behavior in returning the money, and thus you have distinguished yourself as an LPD Good Citizen,” police said to Ray.
“It’s a great thing, but I think these people in blue deserve more than I deserve,” Ray said about the honor.
LPD also honored Lieutenant Michael Steen with a Distinguished Service Award on Friday.
Steen was instrumental in the creation of the department’s Santa Cops program, which provides holiday presents to kids who would not otherwise receive them.
He also helped start LPD’s Explorer Post, allowing teenagers a chance to spend time with officers.
“You are simply known as one of the ‘good guys’ who hardly gets or receives the recognition for exemplary service that you deserve,” Chief Greg Stevens said in written remarks. “Your continued and tireless efforts have distinguished you and the LPD by your exemplary conduct, and you have exceeded the normal prolonged demands expected of your duties.”
After the awards were handed out, 16 officers graduated from the academy and officially joined the department.
“I’m there for people whenever we see them on their worst days, and we’re the ones they need the most when everything’s going wrong,” said new officer Emma Pond.
“I’m looking forward to starting to work, interacting with members of the public and just working with fellow officers,” Stephen Nagy said.
The officers from recruitment class 2016C completed 24 weeks of intense training before joining the ranks of Lubbock Police.
