Officer of the Year went to Patrol Training Officer Jason Thompson who has been with the department for six years.
The Rookie of the Year award went to Ryan Ohm. He began his career with the police department in May 2011.
Official Commendation award went to Detective Kris Deason. Deason devotes countless hours of her time to organize community events like the departments “Shop with a Cop” program each Christmas.
Andrew Gilchrist was named Reserve Officer of the Year. He’s served the department since last summer.
Cheri Taylor was awarded Civilian Employee of the Year.
After 13 years of service Mike Adams was named Dispatcher of the Year. He’s the most senior operator and helps train new dispatchers, according to a news release from the department.
The Chief’s Special award went to Dr. Rick Hittner and Office Manager ShaRay Scott of the Arkansas Veterinary Clinic for their work with the department’s K9 Unit.
Dr. Hittner established a grant program for service dogs that provides annual preventative medications at no cost to police canines, according to the police department.
Mars Dog Food Plant Manager Chris Haas and Logistics Coordinator Amy Burke were also honored with the Chief’s Special Award for ensuring the departments K9 Unit receives the highest quality dog food at no cost to the police department or the tax payers.
Haas and Burke were the also driving forces behind a USPCA Certified Canine Training Facility designed for police canines that spans several acres at Mars Dog Food.
