“I like to be low-key and move on,” Daniels, a detective with the Cary Police Department, said Saturday night during the third annual George Almond Officer of the Year Banquet at the Embassy Suites in Cary.

While Daniels might have been a bit out of his element amidst all the festivities, he said he considered it a personal honor to be recognized for an award named after Almond, a close friend and former comrade at the Cary Police Department.

Almond, who retired as a detective in juvenile investigations in 2004, survived after being shot in the line of duty in October 2001. The award named in his honor recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of leadership, community service, mentoring, excellence in performance and valor.

Daniels, a detective in the police department’s investigations and family services unit, was one of 19 officers nominated and one of five finalists for the annual award from the NCPBA. Other finalists included officers Myron Guthrie, Donna Pell and Robin Edwards and Det. Lynne Brawn.

Daniels is a past recipient of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion officer of the year awards. “But this is probably the one I’ll remember most because of the fact that I handled the investigation when [Almond] got shot,” he said.

In nominating Daniels for the award, Sgt. Randy Byrd highlighted Daniels’ experience and reputation within the police department. Byrd praised Daniels for his volunteerism outside of work, particularly with his involvement as a coach for youth sports with Raleigh’s parks and recreation department. And he touted Daniels’ leadership and mentoring of two young detectives who assisted Daniels in investigating three homicides in 2008.

“Both of these detectives have grown professionally because of working with Detective Daniels and have developed a deep and profound respect for him that words alone can’t measure,” Byrd said in his nomination. “This is due in part to his unassuming approach to individuals that wants those working with him to achieve their maximum potential. His approach works because he doesn’t seek credit or recognition for himself but because he is always focused on the greater good.”

“He has always been willing to sacrifice for this greater good and lead by quiet example,” Byrd continued. “This is the true test of leadership and one that George has mastered.”