In a surprise announcement Monday, the Rome City Commission awarded Police Pfc. Melvin Scott the department’s Medal of Valor and recognized him as the 2009 Officer of the Year.

“We’re very proud of Melvin,” Mayor Wright Bagby Jr. said after reading a proclamation commending Scott for his “selfless act of heroism.”

Scott, a 12-year veteran of the force, saved two people from a burning building at 49 E. 16th St. on Jan. 11, 2009.

He first removed a resident who was trying to gather personal items despite the blaze. He then went into an adjacent apartment and brought out a 68-year-old disabled man.

Police Maj. Elaine Snow said the Medal of Valor is rarely awarded, but Scott showed true selflessness that night when he entered the burning structure twice.

“He put his own life before others’ lives,” she said.

Scott is the school resource officer at Rome Middle School and has been a member of the department’s SWAT team for 10 years. Snow said he exemplifies police professionalism.

“He is dedicated to doing what’s right. He is committed to the city and to the department,” she said.

This is the second time Scott was named Officer of the Year. He was previously recognized in 1999, also for saving lives during a structure fire.

Monday’s award had been kept secret from Scott, who was told the board had requested a presentation on school resource officer activities.