(Indianapolis, IN) - An Indiana State Police officer with ties to this area has earned a top honor.

Kevin Council has been named Indiana Trooper of the Year for the Lowell District, which covers the northwest part of the state.

Trooper Council received his award this week at a ceremony in Indianapolis. He was recognized for his outstanding policing efforts last year, including 143 crash investigations, 304 criminal arrests, about a third of which were O.W.I.s, and 369 other police services. He also volunteered for numerous other duties, such as ride-a-longs, interns, recruiting, parades, and county fairs. His supervisor called Council “The anchor of the midnight shift.”

Council, who lives in La Porte County, is a two-year veteran of the Indiana State Police. He is the son of Master Trooper Jeff Council, who has been a trooper for the past 31 years.