West Liberty resident Austin Joseph receives a special honor for his seventh birthday — a police badge from West Liberty Police Department Officer Darren Dunham. Austin turned 7 on Wednesday and received the surprise on Tuesday, his mother Stacy Joseph said, who related that her son had been asking for a police badge and admires police officers. “We wanted to encourage his love for the police now more than ever. Darren gave Austin the badge for always being honest, respectful, good grades and a great listener,” she said. Austin also is a son of Rickie Johnson. (JOSEPH FAMILY PHOTO)