PRINCESS ANNE — One of Princess Anne’s newest police officers who during his first week on the job in February seized a loaded handgun and a large quantity of narcotics was recognized as Officer of the Quarter.

Officer Timothy J. Megee came to the Princess Anne Police Department the second week of February after serving in Easton. His proactive enforcement approach while on the job continued through the first three months of this year earning him praise from Chief Robert Wink.

“It is his dedication to service, initiative, and attention to details, ability to recognize criminal behaviors as well as criminal indicators along with his outstanding work performance” that earned him this award the chief said.

Officer Megee is credited with two felony drug arrests, one DUI arrest, five warrant arrests and two misdemeanor drug arrests. “Also issued were civil citations for other various violations,” which Chief Wink said included occupants in vehicles traveling with marijuana in their possession.

When it came to traffic enforcement, Officer Megee was the top producer with 124 vehicle stops resulting in 180 violations issued. They ranged from warnings and emergency repair orders to traffic citations.

This kind of work led to the recovery of weapons, some controlled dangerous substances and a large amount of currency which can be an indicator of drug trafficking.

One noted arrest was of a suspect found with 80 capsules of a white powdery substance which was believed to be heroin but later lab tested to show it was 100% fentanyl. Fentanyl in this form is lethal and “part of the opioid crises we’re dealing with,” the chief said.

A search and seizure warrant was obtained through information resulting from the traffic stop, Chief Wink said, and it revealed the use and possession of narcotics and charges are pending additional investigation.

Through March, Officer Megee handled 70 calls for service and completed 80 hours of field training required by the Maryland Police Training Commission as he was a lateral transfer from another agency.

“When you compare these stats with the rest of the agency, consider he didn’t start work until Feb. 8 — 38 days behind everybody else — so his performance is definitely exemplary,” Chief Wink said.

“He sets high standards and is always pushing to the next level.”

Officer Megee received applause from the Town Commissioners and the public attending the May town meeting.