MURFREESBORO – A thank you can mean a lot when you are a police officer.

On Tuesday, the Murfreesboro Town Council formally commended a Murfreesboro Police Officer for his recent actions to keep the citizens he serves safe.

At their regular meeting, the council presented Officer Chris Firkel a letter of commendation for his work on two particular incidences in the area.

The first came during the early hours of September 27 when Firkel, assisted by Officer Joe Crisp, stopped a vehicle on High Street.

“Unknown to you, the individuals in the vehicle allegedly entered a home on Irvin Road carrying a sawed-off shotgun and handgun,” Mayor Lynn Johnson read from the letter. “With your quick thinking and police work these suspects, as well as their weapons were apprehended prior to any information on the robbery being sent out from police dispatch.”

Officer Crisp was also issued a letter of commendation by the town as well.

The next came a few weeks later on October 2. Just after midnight, Firkel, while on routine patrol, noticed flames and smoke coming from a rental home located at 405 Sewell Street.

He alerted the Chowan University students inside and, according to fire and police officials, prevented the worse for both human lives and property.

“You are to be commended for your quick thinking, alertness and going above and beyond the call of duty,” said Johnson. “Thank you for your dedication to the Town of Murfreesboro and its citizens.”

Firkel quietly accept the letter with his parents by his side.

“I would just like to thank every one,” he said.

Chowan University’s Director of International Student Affairs Jill Awuni presented Firkel with a gift at the meeting.

“Thank you for saving the lives of my students,” said Awuni.

Councilman Bill Stephens shared his gratitude toward Firkel as he said it wasn’t just a coincidence that the officer’s name came up every time when he read the newspaper.

“Continue the good work,” he said.

Police Chief Darrell Rowe commented he was very proud of Firkel as well as the rest of his officers.