Sgt. Edgar Deharo — a nine-year veteran of the Carrboro Police Department known for his professionalism — was recently honored by the department as its 2023 Officer of the Year.
Deharo joined the CPD academy in 2013, but said that going into law enforcement was a goal he's had since he was a teenager.
“If anybody wants to get into law enforcement, they have to really want to get into law enforcement,” Deharo said. “It's not something you just kind of pick up or one day decide you want to do."
Carrboro Police Chief Chris Atack said the award is selected from the entire department based on nominations from peers. He said that because there are so many great employees, the selection process can end up being difficult.
“While he provides professional service to the entire community, he really just sets a good example for our officers, demonstrates a lot of compassion in his work and just really is a good model for what we would like an officer to be here at the police department,” Atack said.
Two years ago, in a case Atack said demonstrates Deharo's leadership, he went on a call and encountered a child who did not have a bed because of financial concerns. Deharo and his wife then got a bed for the child, and later provided Christmas presents for the rest of their family.
“I think it really kind of just demonstrates that above and beyond aspect that made him rise to the top this year in that consideration for officer of the year,” Atack said.
In addition to his wide breadth of knowledge and professionalism, Deharo’s ability to speak Spanish allows him to build bridges and create relationships in the local community, Atack said.
Outside of his role as a sergeant, which he stepped into earlier this year, Deharo is relaxed, mellow and has a good sense of humor. Deharo said his primary motivation is his family — he said he always tries to do the best he can, so his kids have someone to look up to.
