Left to right, Regenia Wells, exchange public safety chairperson, Sr. Trooper Ben Taylor, and Post Commander Sgt. Duane Massey.

TIFTON — The Exchange Club of Tifton has presented their Officer of the Year Award to a member of the Georgia State Patrol.

The 2018 Exchange Club Officer of the Year Award for the Georgia State Patrol was presented to Sr. Trooper Ben Taylor.

Regenia Wells, exchange public safety chairperson, introduced Post Commander Sgt. Duane Massey to present the award.

Sgt. Massey said Taylor was his “go-to guy.”

“If I need something, anything, I call him,” said Massey.

Taylor has been in law enforcement for 18 years. It’s in his blood, as several members of his immediate and extended family have served or continue to serve.

“All of the people that came before me made me who I am,” said Taylor.

He is described as treating people as he would want to be treated — with respect.

He also serves as a field training officer and Massey said he does the job right. He knows that the cadets who come from learning from Taylor will know how to do the job well.

His favorite part of his job is being able to deal with people and get out into the community and get to know about people’s lives.