Nashville's Channel 4 News was enlisted to help make the awarding of the American Police Hall of Fame "Silver Star for Bravery" to Lafayette Police Chief Jerry Dallas last Thursday evening.

Dallas was called at home and told "Channel 4 News is up here, and wants to talk to you about 'insurance fraud'."

The Chief showed up to find Channel 4 News, and a crowd of well-wishers in the Lafayette City Court Room to watch as Lt. Ray Amalfitano presented Dallas with the highest award given by the Titusville, FL based American Police Hall of Fame.

Dallas had been nominated for the honor by Amalfitano and Deneshia Hesson, Dallas' administrative assistant following the February tornadoes.

Tributes to Chief Dallas' performance on the night of and days following the devastating storms were given by Lt. Amalfitano and Sgt. Kevin Woodard.

"The Chief worked countless hours without sleep, putting himself in harm's way to help our citizens and his fellow officers. We all felt his concern, and we look up to him as a 'father' and role model in police work and public service," said Lt. Amalifitano.

Chief Dallas was embraced and congratulated by many of his fellow officers, and by members of his staff and the public.

Dallas accepted the award with humility, saying he did not deserve the recognition any more than any of his department's other fine police officers.

The Chief was congratulated by former Mayor Bill Wells and his wife, Sally, several city council members, and current Mayor J.Y. Carter among many other well-wisher, all of whom knew of the award but kept Dallas in the dark.

"It was a complete surprise," said Dallas. "This is as good as it gets---please help us eat all this food!" noting a number of pizzas, homemade chicken salad, fruits and drinks provided by his fellow officers and staff.