NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison presented Third District Officer Jonathan Burnette with the 2016 Badge of Honor Award at the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation’s annual luncheon Tuesday (Oct. 11).
Burnette earned the award for his work to solve a series of armed robberies and other violent crimes in the Third District this year. In one instance, his sharp awareness and quick response resulted in the arrest of three carjacking suspects immediately following the incident.
A Georgia native, Burnette has made a career out of serving his community. He previously served as a deputy with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and as a soldier in the U.S. Army stationed in Iraq.
Chief Harrison also presented the family of fallen NOPD Officer Natasha Hunter with the award posthumously. Natasha's sister, Officer Kianka Hunter and daughter Jasmine accepted the award.
The badge of honor award is given to a police officer who is a leader among their peers, a role model for both veteran officers and new recruits, an officer who has served beyond the call of duty.