Fletcher officer, wife commended for ‘extraordinary compassion’

FLETCHER — A senior Fletcher police patrol officer and his wife were recently recognized for their extraordinary compassion.

Senior Patrol Officer Steven Judson and his wife, Jennifer, were awarded the prestigious General Commendation Medal by the American Police Hall of Fame in recognition of his exemplary service, said Police Chief Jason DeLonais. The award was for their extraordinary compassion in fostering three child neglect victims after difficulty finding placement, he said.

“This is a result of the Anna Labree felony child neglect case,” he said.

In that case, Fletcher officers were called on Aug. 1, 2023, to the report of three boys, then 2, 4 and 5 years old, running around outside. The boys had been found by Fletcher Public Works employees. There had been a case history with Labree regarding the children, according to police.

The boys were found wearing only diapers with goat grass thorns stuck in their feet, legs, backs and buttocks, the warrant affidavit states. The outside temperature was 104 degrees. The 2-year-old also had feces caked on the inside of his legs and feet from overflowing from his diaper.

Law enforcement went to Labree’s home where they knocked on doors and windows and yelled into the unlocked backdoor to locate the boys’ guardian, the affidavit states. Labree came out and asked what was going on and appeared to have just awakened and was inebriated. She told police the boys were supposed to have been taking a nap.

All three boys were removed from the home that day.

Lebree pleaded guilty to three counts of child neglect on June 25. She is currently in mental health treatment in an effort to reach reunification, court records indicate.

DeLonais said Judson’s efforts were instrumental for this result.

“His thorough investigation into a serious case of felony child neglect, which involved three highly vulnerable young children, highlighted his steadfast dedication to upholding justice,” he said. “In a time of housing shortages, Senior Patrol Officer Judson’s certification as a foster parent allowed him to offer refuge in his own home for several weeks, ensuring the children’s safety until Child Protective Services could facilitate their placement.”

“This remarkable act of selflessness has solidified his standing as a true advocate for child welfare and protection,” the chief concluded.