Amherst native Officer of the Year in Nashville

Robert Bandish II, a native of Amherst, has been named Officer of the Year in Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 8.

A field training officer, was awarded the honor by the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce for his "tireless dedication and outstanding commitment" to families and businesses in the Hermitage area.

Sgt. Daniel Newbern of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department nominated Bandish, saying, "Officer Bandish has proven himself to be an irreplaceable asset to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the Hermitage Precinct and the Nashville community. He had dedicated himself to the safety and protection of our citizens through crime reduction initiatives and his response to numerous calls for service in both uniform and plainclothes assignments. Officer Bandish's unquestionable character has set an example for his fellow officers. He has an excellent attitude and strives to maintain the highest level of integrity in both his professional and personal life."

From March through October 2007, Bandish, who works the midnight shifts, performed 1,522 business checks, 121 community contacts, made 130 arrests, served 50 outstanding warrants, and issued 28 misdemeanor citizens.

Bandish, 36, is an 11-year Metro Police Department veteran.

He is a 1989 graduate of Sweet Home High School and a 1993 graduate of Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa, where he received a criminal justice degree.