SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT BESTOWS AWARDS TO CIVILIANS AND OFFICERS FOR 2009

for more information:
Ernie Slottag 789-2235

Awards and certificates were handed out today to a number of individuals who displayed extraordinary efforts to help solve crimes and maintain the peace in the City of Springfield.

“I want to thank the Springfield Police Department for being one of the first to step up to the plate and agree to concessions that are allowing us to get through these difficult financial times,” Mayor Tim Davlin said. “Everyone has had to tighten their belts as we moved into the new fiscal year. The Police Department early on agreed to partner with us and help us get through this period without laying off any officers.”

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the civilians who stepped forward and helped our Police Department resolve issues in a timely manner,” Davlin added. “These individuals took it upon themselves to provide assistance, without any expectation of credit or reward. To them, I say thank you from the entire City.”

“It would be extremely difficult for the Department to function well without the commitment of these officers who are providing only the highest level of service to our community, and those members of the community that help us get the job done,” said Robert L. Williams, Chief of the Springfield Police Department. “I congratulate each and every one of them for going above and beyond the line of duty.”

A full list of winners is provided below.

WILLIAM HERNDON AWARD:

            Detective Ryan Sims, Detective Brian S. Johnston, Detective Michael A. Flynn

ABRAHAM LINCOLN AWARD:

            Detective April R. Smiddy

SILVER SAUREZ AWARD:

            Officer Timothy A. Zajicek 

PORTER WILLIAMS AWARD:

            Officer Scott A. Ligon

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION OR COMMENDATION:

            Officer Andrew T. Barnes
            Officer Jarod R. Maddox
            Officer Joseph W. Phillips
            Sergeant Dyle L. Stokes
            Detective Douglas D. Cookson
            Detective Mark J. Pointer
            Detective Ryan Sims
            Officer Ryan J. Maddox
            Officer Ryan M. Irwin
            Officer Robert W. Oglesby
            Officer Donald A. Gillette

CHIEF’S UNIT CITATION:

            SPD Honor Guard

CITIZENS APPRECIATION AWARDS:

            Mr. Joseph Ludtke, Mrs. Janelle Ludtke
            Mr. Matt Winn
            Ms. Joanna Tweedy
            Andrea Young
            Bradley Howlett