Maryville, Mo. – An officer with the Northwest Missouri State University Police Department was recognized recently by the Mid-America Critical Incident Team Council (MACIT) as a Critical Incident Team (CIT) Officer of the Year.

According to a news release, Kyle Hoyt was honored Nov. 9 at the organization’s annual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, after he was named CIT Officer of the Year by Northwest University Police.

University Police Lt. Anthony Williams nominated Hoyt for the recognition after a review of reports and commended him for his compassion for students in need.

“Officer Hoyt is dedicated to being a public servant and helping individuals cope with the everyday struggles some of us possess,” Williams said.

Hoyt, who joined the University Police Department in 2014, also serves as a self-defense instructor and is a member of the local Santa Cops Committee, which raises funds for less-fortunate children to purchase gifts during the holiday season.