Arvada Police Chief Ron Sloan hosted the department's semi-annual awards ceremony on December 13 in the Council Chamber at Arvada City Hall.

The following list contains brief summaries of the awards that were presented during the ceremony.

Verbal Recognition

Several members of the Arvada Police Department have received awards by organizations outside of the department. Chief Sloan verbally recognized the following employees during the awards ceremony.

Investigator Carla Bennett

Detective Bill Johnson

Officer Brian Laas & K-9 Bob

Sergeant Steve Grisham

Officer Pat Claar

Sergeant Shelly Moriarty

Criminalist, Dr. Suzanne Kurth

Promotions

One officer has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and one sergeant promoted to commander in recent months. Theywere formally recognized and congratulated by Chief Sloan at the ceremony. They include:

Sergeant Jeff Orndoff

Commander Gary Hutchcraft

Police Chief's Citizen Commendations

Members of the Arvada Police Department nominate citizens for outstanding actions during
the course of the year. Chief Sloanmade the following presentations on December 13, 2006.

In recognition of their assistance provided to law enforcement involving a comprehensive drug-trafficking investigation.

Michele Ortez

In recognition of her outstanding observation skills and willingness to become involved by providing information about robbery suspects to police.

Bradley Coldiron

In appreciation of his dedication and support of the Arvada Police Department's Crime Free Housing program.

In recognition of his exceptional art work entitled Super Heroes Are Real that has become an anchor in the Arvada Police Department's recruitment efforts.

Walter Harris

Mel Lavender

Rae McGaughey

In appreciation of their commitment and ingenuity associated with the Reclaiming Your Street program implemented in their neighborhood.

Sheri Vigil

Henry Ortiz

In recognition of their superior actions demonstrated in identifying two car break-in suspects, which ultimately led to their arrests.

In recognition of her superior actions demonstrated in identifying two burglary suspects, which ultimately led to their arrests.

In recognition of his heroic efforts in rescuing two men who nearly drowned in Hidden Lake.

Police Chief's Commendations

Members of the Arvada Police Department are nominated by fellow officers for outstanding actions during the course of the year. Chief Sloanmade the following presentations on December 13.

Detective Mark Greubel

In recognition of his exemplary actions in response to an auto theft incident resulting in the arrests of multiple suspects.

In recognition of his outstanding actions in assisting an Arvada High School student following the sudden death of his mother.

In appreciation of his outstanding contributions as the Academy Lead at the 2006-1 Jefferson County Regional Training Academy.

In recognition of their exemplary response and selfless actions to an incident involving a prolific auto theft suspect who fled the scene from police.

In recognition of her exemplary actions in setting a perimeter that contained two felons and ultimately led to their arrests.

Officer Dave Curtice

In recognition of his outstanding actions in response to a first-aid call resulting in the sustaining of a human life.

Medal of Meritorious Service

Officer John Welch

For his response to a carjacking situation where he ultimately performed a PIT maneuver on the suspect's stolen vehicle, and helped take an armed suspect into custody.

Sergeant A.J. DeAndrea

Officer Anthony Baros

For their actions in peaceably resolving a situation involving a suspect armed with a large knife threatening "suicide by cop."

Medal of Distinguished Service

Sergeant Mark Nazaryk

Detective CJ Bickmore

Deputy Kerry DiLorenzo (Jefferson County SO)