Word is getting out about Bluffton's police department. The word is something that village residents already knew: We have a excellent police force.

An American Red Cross Award now hangs on the wall in the Bluffton Police Department.

Rick Skillier, police chief, informed Bluffton council on Monday that the department was recently recognized by the Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The recognition identifies the department as the outstanding county organization of the year for preparedness and response efforts to local flooding and contributions to the Red Cross chapter on an on-going basis.

The award reads: Presented to Bluffton Police Department for dedicated commitment to Red Cross mission.

Congrats to all members of the department. It's an award that is well deserved.