Ruston Police Officer Matthew Reed has been named Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Ruston Kiwanis Club.
The award was presented to Reed at the annual banquet of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Each law enforcement agency in Lincoln Parish can nominate one officer for the annual award. Reed was one of several community leaders honored at the February 12 event.
Reed joined the Ruston Police Department after serving as a patrol deputy and K-9 handler for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Eric Watson said Reed, “has demonstrated a level of dedication to the field of law enforcement and the community that far exceeds the standard call of duty. His work embodies the core principles of community-oriented policing: transparency, proactive problem-solving, and the cultivation of deep-rooted trust.”
Watson complimented Reed, noting his contributions “are best exemplified by his proactive self-initiated enforcement activities.” In 2025, Reed participated RPD’s directed patrol unit, DWI task force, and volunteered for numerous special details.
Reed made Ruston safer in 2025 by effecting 82 arrests and responding to 1,970 calls for service, Watson said.
“Matthew Reed always maintains a professional demeanor and presents himself with a positive attitude,” Watson said. “As a field training officer, he takes great pride in assisting new officers with developing their skills.”
Reed’s ability to deal with the public in a professional manner is one of his most impressive abilities, Chief Watson said.
“Matthew has the ability to use innovative methods of communication to gain information from suspects as well as cooperating citizens. This is a skill that sometimes takes an officer years to develop.”
Watson said the award sponsored by the Ruston Kiwanis Club recognizes Reed “as a valuable resource for the Ruston Police Department. His humble dedication to duty sets a new benchmark for professional excellence within this department.”
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