Each year in August the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce announces the Gem of the year at the Day in the Park. However, this year was quite different with the COVID crisis that cancelled the annual Day in the Park event. This year the Antwerp Chamber announces George and Victoria Clemens as their 2020 Gems of the Year!
George and Victoria have been at the Antwerp Police Department for a combined service of 41 years. They themselves met at the police department in 2000, where Victoria was employed. George and Victoria married in 2002 at the Payne Nazarene Baptist Church. They absolutely love the Antwerp community and the people. Each day they come in and are ready to serve and protect the citizens of this small town. They realize it is more than just a job. There are children, victims, businesses, homes and much more they work tirelessly to protect each day. Each day is different.
When asked what the most troubling crime they encountered. It had to do with a string of night break-ins that they brought in the BCI&I to help with fingerprinting. Victoria ended up capturing the person in what is now the old school. Antwerp has not had to deal with a murder in the time frame they have been in this town.
They have been involved in many positive things including the Chamber and helped with the idea of founding of ACDC. George said they have had three very supportive mayors in their time on the force. They all truly cared for the community and shared their gratitude, being supportive of the Police work and keeping the community safe.
The Clemens’ were asked how has 2020 has been for them in light of the big city protests, riots, and general hate of the police. George said they have been concerned with what is seen in the news, but that has not spilled over into our community. People here have been the opposite of what is on the media. The people here have been very supportive by sending them letters commending their work, and even buying their lunches.
What is the best way to serve as a law enforcement officer? Victoria said, in her calm voice, to serve from the heart, then the book. People who act out, many times are just put in abnormal circumstances that they wouldn’t normally say or do. Then their job is to try and help them and keep the community safe as best as possible.
George said they have Andy Griffith playing quite often in their office. He said he thinks of our community like Mayberry. We have your “Aunt Bee’ and your “Otis”, and other citizens. “I’m not Andy Taylor, but I have become softer and less rough around the edges,” commented George.
What would George and Victoria like to see for the future of Antwerp? They would love to see the downtown full of businesses. He said 20 years ago the downtown was nearly dead, now many businesses have reworked the old buildings and opened up stores. There is still quite a bit of work to do, but he would love to see it full! George has also noticed how much more housing that has gone up in 2019 and 2020. Every time he drives around it seems as if another house is marked out for construction. One last thing mentioned was how much he would love to see a grocery store back in the community for the people that live here, especially those that don’t want to go to Walmart or Meijer in this time of COVID.
One of the hobbies that George and Victoria like is going to as many circuses they can within a 100 miles. If you haven’t seen their place, they have made quite the “circus” with animals and pets. They have rescued many animals in the past, starting with Benji the Red Fox 10 years ago. The animal was slated to become a fur, but today he’s still wearing his own coat. Every animal out on the range has a name and special place. For some unknown reason, wild rabbits seem to congregate at the Clemens’. One morning George counted 52 rabbits in his yard. Driving by their place, you’ll probably see rabbits, ducks or something else. They just love being there!
What does the future look like for the Clemens? Well, George stated he would like to retire, possibly in three years. Victoria, on the other hand, stated she is not ready to think about retirement. On George’s bucket list is to drive for a circus for six months – this could be possible as he has his CDL! He loved it when the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus was in Woodburn a couple years ago. That was the most impressive circus he had seen personally.
George and Victoria have five children: Alicia, Katie, Kameran, Kenzie, and George IV.
George and Victoria stated, “We are flattered to be chosen Gems of the year, Thank you!”
