 |
MAP operators were the recipient of the Unit Citation Award for outstanding team performance. |
|
 |
 |
From left to right: METRO President & CEO Frank Wilson, Board member Jackie L. Freeman, MPD Officer Eliot Swainson and Board member C. Jim Stewart, III. |
|
|
 |
Officer of the Year recipient Keith Dillman. |
|
| It’s an honor. I’m just doing my job,” said a modest Keith Dillman. “I just want to make sure that everyone who comes here, new trainees, can perform their job to the best of their abilities.” |
|
|
|
MPD Heroes Honored
Donning badges that symbolize courage and uniforms that define their role as protectors – METRO’s men and women in blue were among the celebrated at METRO’s 2008 Department of Public Safety Awards Banquet – a ceremony that also marked National Police Week.
METRO police officers, as well as non-sworn personnel, were recognized for their exceptional commitment and contributions in keeping the system safe.
Before celebrating their very own, and in honor of National Police Week, MPD took a moment to pay tribute to fallen officers.
During the ceremony’s invocation, MPD Sgt. Ted Naradovy asked everyone in the room to remember those officers who died in the line of duty while expressing thanks that none of his fellow METRO officers have had to make the ultimate sacrifice on the job.
METRO President & CEO Frank J. Wilson reflected over last week’s shooting involving an MPD officer – the first in the department’s history.
“What I took away from that is thank God this police department is trained well,” said Wilson. “We should be proud. Thank God that you guys agreed to do what you do. You do it exceedingly well.”
The officer involved in the shooting was not hurt.
The ceremony’s tone took a light-hearted turn as participants in METRO’s Adopt-a-Stop/Shelter program, as well as the Motorists Assistant Program (MAP) Operators, were presented with plaques.
A familiar face among MPD was also honored. Officer Eliot Swainson was presented a Life Saving award, as well as a book of news clips detailing his heroic act on January 20, 2009 – the same day President Barack Obama was inaugurated. Swainson was among the small contingent of MPD officers sent to Washington, D.C. to assist with the inauguration crowds. He pulled a woman to safety after she had fallen on the tracks in front of an oncoming train.
In addition to the Unit Citation and Life Saving awards, other award categories were: Chief of Police Commendations, Corporate Award, Manager of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and the coveted Officer of the Year award.
Officer Keith Dillman received the top award for his outstanding leadership skills, initiative and for going above and beyond the call of duty. The field training officer was one of three officers nominated by his peers, and then selected by an awards committee made up of officers and non-sworn personnel.
|
