Yet, it's his work before, during and after school - a demanding job that most of Mitchell's peers in the Cary police department don't get to see - that earned him the 2009 George Almond Officer of the Year award. It was presented Saturday by the Cary chapter of the N.C. Police Benevolent Association.

"I'm totally shocked, and I'm very proud," Mitchell said.

He was one of five finalists. The others were Cary officers Jeff Huser, Mike Lindley, Keith McKenna and Robert Tonietto.

Mitchell started his career in public safety in Raleigh after studying criminal justice in East Carolina University. He joined Cary's force in 2000. He has been at Green Hope since 2008.

"Students seek out Officer Mitchell because of his strong presence in the school and his calm demeanor," said Green Hope High's Assistant Principal Michelle Burton, after hearing of his nomination.

Mitchell, who has two stepsons, also volunteers with the town's youth programs and at Northpark Church.

This summer, he pulled weeds from outside the Raleigh offices of Interact, a non-profit for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

"I can only say Glenn has the attributes of a true community leader and I can think of no one more deserving of this nomination," said Myron Guthrie, the officer who nominated Mitchell.

The award is named after former Cary officer George Almond, who retired from the department in 2004. He returned to duty in 2002 after being shot in the face during a traffic stop in 2001.

The lingering effects of those injuries forced him to leave his career after 10 years.

"I see George as a man of integrity, a man of faith and a fighter who was able to come back from the injury that he had," Mitchell said. "I'm very humbled by all of this."