Since graduating from Southside High School and entering the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19, John Treherne has continued to find a way to serve people — especially those in his community.

Treherne moved back to Selma after serving two years in the corps, and soon after joined the Selma Police Department, where he devoted 10 years of his life.

Now, Treherne serves as a Sgt. of Criminal Investigations with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, where he has been for 14 years. He also pastors at Crosspoint Christian Church.

“I’ve just always wanted to be in law enforcement,” Treherne said. “I like investigations and figuring out who committed the crime.”

Treherne is married to Michelle and has six children, Chris, Matthew, Madison, Logan, Brittney and Lizzy Grace.

Treherne said being in law enforcement sometimes takes away time with his family, but he knows how much they support him and how much his job means to him.

“I’ve missed a lot of stuff. Some of the things they have going on, I can’t go to because of my job,” Treherne said. “But it’s rewarding because when I can go, it just makes it that more special.”

Treherne was recently named Officer of the Year 2017 by the Selma American Legion, Thomas R. Mackin Post 20 and will receive the award in May.

Chief Deputy Randy Pugh and Sheriff Harris Huffman nominated Treherne for the award.

“It’s really an honor, and it’s really nice to be appreciated,” Treherne said. “I do my job … and do the best that I can.”

Treherne said he enjoys working for the department and he plans to retire there in the future.

“I love my job,” he said. “I enjoy it because I can get involved in the community, I get to meet people all the time.”

Treherne handles normal criminal investigations, as well as child victimization, sex crimes and juvenile crime.

“Whenever you see a child or a sex crimes victim, and you’re able to get them out of the situation that they’re in and get them into a safe place and get them help, and also get justice for the one who mistreated them, that’s probably the most rewarding thing,” he said. “I can solve a homicide or solve a robbery, but when you save a child or help a family out, that’s the best part.”