Ludlow’s police chief Scott Smith is one of 27 finalists out of hundreds of applicants for the Upstander Awards given by The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center.
Chief Smith was nominated by a Ludlow citizen for his contribution to the city as police officer, city administrator and gym owner.
“Smith was recognized for his community-centered approach to policing—insisting that his officers walk their routes as much as possible to interact with community members, and teaching officers intervention techniques that de-escalate,” the organization said of Smith.
The Holocaust and Humanity Center is a local non-profit organization that evolved out of Holocaust survivors’ will to educate people about the Holocaust and to inspire good in the world. It is carried on by survivors’ family members and the broader community.
The Upstander Awards are part of the organization’s mission to exemplify what it means to be a person who inspires hope, optimism, and who stands up for justice and a better world.
“This truly is a city of upstanders,” says Kara Driscoll, Director of Marketing and Events for the center. “Our biggest hope for the weekend is that people are inspired to tackle an issue they care about and use their strengths to make a difference.”
“I am honored that people in the community of Ludlow and the Northern Kentucky area believe I am doing right by them and I hope to keep continuing to represent them and the city in a positive way,” Smith says.
The awards kick off this Saturday morning at Union Terminal with a 5K, Family Day and an Upstander Volunteer Expo. It wraps up with the sold-out awards ceremony and gala on Sunday at 6 p.m. Award-winning journalist Katie Couric is the Celebrity Master of Ceremonies to honor the nominees.