COVINGTON, Ga. — Covington's very own hometown hero received the 2019 Governor's Public Safety Award this week.

Covington police Officer Matt Cooper, who was shot in the line of duty on Labor Day 2018, said he was "grateful" for the award and "will not let it be in vain."

“It was an honor to be sharing the room with the epitome of selfless-service from other public safety persons. Receiving this from the governor himself made it extra memorable for me," he said.

"He has continued to show his respect and honor to law enforcement in the state. I know that he will cover down for us. As a public servant, there is none other that will compare to him. Kingdoms are inherited and crowns are earned, and each one of us earned our awards last week! "

The Governor's Public Safety Awards Program was initiated in 1998 in order to provide an opportunity for men and woman working in public safety to be recognized for their outstanding service and their contributions within their communities, according to the Dec. 9 CPD news release.