Coming up with a way to make things easier and more efficient for Statesboro police officers and then doing an outstanding job of handling that task is why Advanced Patrol Officer Larry Futch was named the 2018 Statesboro Police Officer of the Year. The 17-year veteran came up with a single solution to several problems the department was dealing with: trying to juggle a limited police force, working patrol and investigating crimes, and having to deal with the “little things” such as attending court, serving warrants, handling tours of the department and making school visits. Called the “sweeper” position, Futch’s suggestion was to have one day-shift officer assigned to handle “outside normal call responsibilities,” said Statesboro police Chief Mike Broadhead.