Tammy Shaffer was named the 2023 recipient of the Eugene Edington Memorial Award on Friday night.
The award is given to the volunteer of the year, someone who has given their time and efforts toward the growth and betterment of the community. With this honor, Shaffer’s name will now appear on a plaque in the Bluffton City Hall.
Brandy Fiechter, superintendent of the Parks Department, applauded Shaffer’s considerable service to the community during the award presentation. Shaffer has dutifully served the community for years, as a police officer and chief for many years and a volunteer in her retirement.
“Tammy has volunteered with us for many years handing out food every Tuesday at the Farm Wagon and helping with special events for pets,” Fiechter said. “Not only has Tammy been a blessing to our department, but she has also served eight years on the Wells County Foundation Board and was chair of their marketing committee. She is also a board member of the Caylor-Nickel Foundation and is approaching 20 years of service with the Friends of the Shelter.”
Shaffer served as a police officer for 15 years and chief for 11 years. During that time, Shaffer was named Indiana’s Outstanding Officer of the Year Against Domestic Violence, received the DARE Agency Head Award and was recognized by the Center for Non-Violence for her commitment to ending domestic violence. Shaffer was also the first woman to serve as the president of the Indiana Association of Chiefs.
