Kent Police Recruitment Sgt. Eric Tung was honored with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) “40 Under 40” award on Oct. 17.

This honor is bestowed upon law enforcement professionals, who are under the age of 40, who demonstrate leadership and exemplify extraordinary commitment to their profession, according to the Kent Police Department.

Hundreds of nominations are submitted from around the world each year, and only 40 are chosen.

“Our department has benefitted immensely from Sergeant Tung’s work in many roles over the years, not the least of which are his efforts to provide wellness information and resources to help keep us healthy, resilient and strong,” said Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. “I could not be prouder of him; the IACP recognition of his commitment and dedication to our agency and our Kent community is well deserved. It is my extreme privilege to announce his outstanding accomplishment.”

A primary criteria evaluated by the selection committee is the candidate’s demonstrated capacity to lead and help shape the future of the law enforcement profession. Tung has served the Kent community as a patrol officer, team leader for the regional Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU), K-9 handler, patrol sergeant, Neighborhood Response Team sergeant and recruitment sergeant. He has also served as a peer support and wellness teams leader.

Kent police said Tung has excelled in all of his roles with the department, “always giving his best.”

“As the Peer Support Team coordinator, Sergeant Tung developed frequent communication and critical incident debriefs for stressful and traumatic situations faced by his fellow officers,” according to the IACP, adding that Tung crafted and fostered training and sent out regular communication with wellness tips, workouts, podcasts and articles.

As a fitness coach for Kent police, Tung started a health and wellness blog and social media channels to support healthy practices through mentoring first responders and civilians.

Tung has established himself as a resource for other police agencies to facilitate stress debriefs and help build their peer support and wellness programs, according to the IACP.

“I maintain the theme that every conversation, every meeting, every email … is an opportunity to lead,” said Sgt. Tung.

As law enforcement agencies aroun the region face critical staffing crises, Tung revamped the Kent Police Department’s Recruiting and Hiring Unit.

“Drawing on his experience in community relations, he focused on the concept that recruiting and outreach were the same challenge and opportunity,” according to the IACP. “By doing so, he has developed a recruiting process that focuses on engagement, transparency, and building relationships through mentorship. It has seen dramatic success in the first several months of implementation in contrast to regional trends. “