LaMar Sharpe

Back in the 2000s, I was in a smoky bar on New Year’s Eve. A new law had been passed, and at the stroke of midnight, smoking no longer would be allowed indoors.

It’s inscrutable, a mix of do-gooder charisma and an easy, honest charm for every single person he meets. No motive. No ego. The type of person who simply rolls up his sleeves and does what needs doing. Canton Chief of Police Bruce Lawver calls it “the real thing.” And that’s probably the best description of our 2018 Person of the Year, Officer LaMar Sharpe. The real thing.

With the start of each new year, we make resolutions. We say that this year will be the year that we stick to our plans. But what are we resolving to do? Is it another lousy attempt at getting fit and healthy? Is it a half-hearted approach at learning a new skill?