The Okarche Police Department last week picked up a distinguished piece of paper.

The department was presented with a certificate of verification from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Program(OLEAP).

The presentation was made last during the regular meeting of the Okarche Town Board.

OLEAP Vice Chair Kevin McCullough and Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger made the presentation to Okarche Police Chief Forrest Smith.

McCullough is also the law enforcement specialist with Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG), which is one of the agencies that endorses OLEAP.

The certificate state Okarche’s department is compliant with policies and guidelines as set for in best practice standards by OLEAP.

Also present at the meeting were Mayor Jeff Sadler and council members Matt Blackwood and Jeff Brueggen.

That trio, after an executive session, voted unanimously to compensate Kelli Neuenschwander accordingly when she assists Town Clerk Dana Reese with administrative work.

Neuenschwander is currently manager of the town’s pool.

The agenda called for the council to discuss appointing a municipal judge, but no action was taken on that matter.

(Ed. Note: This story was written from reports compiled by KT&FP Correspondent Laura Sadler.)