MYRTLE BEACH -- A beach patrol officer took the honor of Myrtle Beach Officer of the Year.
The Myrtle Beach Rotary Club selected Master Cpl. Mike Gunthinger. He was one of 12 nominees up for the award named after Joe McGarry, who was killed in the line of duty.
Gunthinger was with McGarry the night he was shot.
They went through the Police Academy together and were hired at the Myrtle Beach Police Department at the same time.
Gunthinger says that makes the award even more of an honor.
"Its very special, especially with his name on it. Its an opportunity to remember him," said Gunthinger.
This is the 46th year the Rotary Club honored an officer of the year.
