Working after hours to locate two burglary suspects earned a Sheriff's Office sergeant Officer of the Month honors in February from Ford of Murfreesboro, said Sheriff Robert Arnold.

Sgt. Trey Nunley worked over on the evening shift and traveled towards his home when he heard the call about the burglary suspects Feb. 15, Sheriff Arnold said. Instead of going home, he began looking for the suspects and conducted the traffic stop that led investigator to charge the suspects with eight auto burglaries.

"We commend Sgt. Nunley for working overtime and locating the suspects accused of taking other people's property," Sheriff Arnold said. "If not for his efforts, these suspects could have escaped justice."

Owner David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro presented Sgt. Nunley an engraved watch for his efforts.

"Hard work and dedication to the job of crime fighting as well as going the extra mile led to a crime solved much faster and getting criminals off the streets," Lee said. "I commend Sgt. Trey Nunley for his efforts and for going above and beyond. It is an honor to live in a community in which we have this type of outstanding individual protecting us."

Sgt. Tom Bunch said Sgt. Nunley was instrumental in locating the suspects because other deputies were not nearby.

"I feel the suspects could have gotten away if it was not for Sgt. Nunley's dedication," Sgt. Bunch said.

Patrol Capt. Steve Spence said Sgt. Nunley's effort set an example for the other deputies who work with him.

"His efforts are a credit to him and are a testament to his dedication to law enforcement," Capt. Spence said.