Brookhaven Police Detective Sergeant Penny Banks recently received her first award as a police officer, and what an honor it is. 

Banks was awarded “Officer of the Year” by the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

A 19-year veteran of the department, the investigator said she was first drawn to police work because she “always wanted to wear a uniform.”

In the early part of her life, Banks said she had made some mistakes, but when she got herself and her work ethic together, she applied to BPD. She worked her way up from patrol officer, becoming a detective in 2015.

“I like mystery and I like challenges,” she said. “That’s what it is.”

Banks has also been an ordained minister since 2017, and serves as pastor of two African Methodist Episcopal churches in Summit — Chisholm Mission and Mitchell Chapel. Her two jobs of pastoral and police work fit closely together, she said.
“Both work hand-in-hand. I like working with people, no matter what their situation may be,” said Banks. “There’s counseling in both areas.”

The recognition from the Chamber was unexpected, but Banks sees it as a blessing from God.

“I was very surprised,” she said. “I don’t know why I was chosen, (maybe) because of the kindness of my heart. I try to help everybody, not just certain people.”