ORLANDO, Fla. – A local police officer had a surprise encounter with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Tuesday.
The Orlando Police Department teamed up with the Nickelodeon Suites Resort's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to recognize officer Joe Lundy as Distinguished Officer of the Year. The green crime fighters, in addition to Chief of Police John Mina, honored Lundy for being "a hero and mentor to the youth" in the Orlando community.
According to a release, this award came as a result of Lundy's committed participation in Operation Positive Direction, among other community ventures.
This initiative, which was founded in 2008, works to provide positive mentors for at-risk youth in Orlando. Lundy has been an active mentor since the program's inception, and was selected to be the program's lead coordinator in 2013.
"There is no doubt that because of the heart and leadership of Officer Joe Lundy, that the Operation Positive Direction program continues to be so prosperous and a positive reflection of the agency," Deputy Chief Charles Robinson, who also works with Operation Positive Direction, said in a release.
As part of his honor, Lundy will receive a two-night stay and "superhero welcome" at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort.
Lundy is recognized for his commitment to at-risk youth not only through Operation Positive Direction, but also through work with Parramore Kidz Zone.