Spanish Fort Police Chief David Edgar has been recognized for his efforts in spearheading the investigation in an extraordinary burglary that occurred last December 1 at Best Buy in Spanish Fort. Edgar was named the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Optimist Club of Perdido Key Tuesday at the Baldwin County Commission meeting.

Edgar was instrumental in leading to the arrest of two men accused of stealing more than $50,000 worth of computers from The Eastern Shore Plaza retail store. Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb said, “This was one of the most amazing things I ever saw in terms of how quickly these gentlemen were able to get into and out of Best Buy with over 35 computers that were in a secure location in under three minutes.”

The Chief was credited with coordinating Federal, State, County, local and State of Florida law enforcement agencies in the search for the suspects.

“Spanish Fort is a small police department,” Newcomb explained. “What is extraordinary—Chief Edgar did not let those limited resources stop him. He contacted federal agencies, the county sheriff’s office and brought resources together to help locate these gentlemen who were from the state of Florida.”

“We do believe they were involved in a multi-state burglary ring,” Newcomb said. “Through Chief Edgar’s efforts, we have at least two of them indicted and under arrest.” Stanley Marcel, 27, and Jean Claude Exulian, 28—both of Miami—were taken into custody in Florida in February and charged with the thefts. Law enforcement officials are still searching for two other possible suspects in the case.

Spanish Fort Mayor Joe Bonner added his praise of the Police Chief. “It is a great honor; it is a true testament to his hard work.”

Edgar accepted the award but shared the recognition with the other agencies involved in the investigation. “I would like to thank the members of the Spanish Fort Police Department as well the Federal, State, County and State of Florida agencies.”