Three Branson Department employees were recognized for their team effort in stopping a string of car thefts.

Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt presented Sgt. Caleb Teig, Officer Justin Brown and Officer Brendan Gamble as Employee of the Month award in the Special Commendation category during the aldermen meeting on April 9. The award in the Special Commendation category spotlights city employees who save lives and face danger. These employees didn't run from danger.

Schmitt detailed their work. The theft wasn't insignificant.

"Over the course of time, suspects stole numerous items: firearms, credit cards, had rung up tens of thousands of dollars worth of fraudulent charges and everything," Schmitt said. Rather than waiting for the department's investigative team to do the job, they took action.

Footage was recorded and a suspect was identified, and from there, the suspects were in for a surprise. They were staying at a local hotel.

Gamble made the necessary steps to get a search warrant, and it was approved. Teig conceived a tactical plan. With the right equipment, the team was ready to go.

"They went and hit the hotel room that night, surprised the heck out of our suspects," the chief said. That resulted in two felony arrests and the recovery of several stolen items, firearms included. Schmitt made a bold statement describing how seriously crime is taken in Branson.

"They take crime personal here in this town, and we're going to come get you."