Allen Police applauded the quick thinking, thorough training and good instincts of more than two dozen employees and volunteers during its annual recognition ceremony, held March 7.
Chief Brian Harvey shared harrowing stories of employees who intervened in suicide attempts, protected domestic violence victims, stopped retail theft, rescued a trapped dog, and helped a young man perform CPR on his mom.
The department distributed three Awards of Team Excellence for outstanding teamwork in a highly creditable act beyond the ordinary course of duty.
- For combined efforts in an aggravated robbery and counterfeit money case: Sgt. Shane McFarland, Sgt. Billy Holbert, Cpl. Clayton Collier, Officer Sean Fourcand, Officer Logan Poppe, Officer Anders Heintz, K-9 Officer Aaron Bond and K-9 Officer Matt Koehrsen
- For rescuing a lost dog from a storm drain and reuniting the pet with its family: Officer Nathan Rose and Animal Control Officer Erin Holter
- For saving the life of a suicidal woman found unresponsive in a creek bed: Cpl. Thomas Van Benthuysen, Officer John Booth and Officer Michael Dawson
Two officers were awarded a Meritorious Conduct Bar for the heroic performance of duty involving risk to the officer's personal safety. Officer Tony Brown and Officer Stephen Griffith were commended for protecting a woman and her friend from a potentially violent interaction with an ex-husband.
Chief Harvey also presented two Certificates of Merit for outstanding performance of duty under unusual, complicated or hazardous conditions. Cpl. Cody Turner was honored for surveillance efforts leading to a retail theft arrest. Officer Jay Leeck was applauded for investigating a 9-1-1 hang-up that resulted in an assualt family violence arrest.
Three APD personnel earned the Life Saving Bar, awarded to an employee directly responsible for saving a human life.
- For helping a young 9-1-1 caller perform CPR on his mother while waiting for paramedics to arrive: TCO Janice Chase
- For pulling a teenager to safety as the young man attempted to jump from an overpass: Officer Michael Bly
- For saving the life of a suicidal woman found unresponsive in a creek bed: Cpl. Thomas Van Benthuysen
The annual awards also recognize employees and volunteers who contribute to the department's overall excellence. Recipients of 2017 awards included:
- Volunteer of the Year: Duane Nunnallee
- Citizen on Patrol (C.O.P) of the Year: Todd Killian
- Chief's Non-Sworn Award: Public Safety Officer Adam Bader
- Chief's Sworn Award: Investigator Laura Gilmore
- Civilian Employee of the Year: Administrative Assistant Memory Bobbitt
- Communication Technician of the Year: CTO Jaime Gibson
- Rookie of the Year: Officer Michael Dawson
- Investigator of the Year: Investigator Keith Compton
- Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Paul Holland
- Officer of the Year: Officer Anders Heintz
Allen Police is recognized as a Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices agency. Thanks to its efforts, Allen has been repeatedly ranked among the safest cities in Texas. See what it takes to join our force.