Westminster's Officer Michael Rex is recognized as the "Officer of the Year" by the Colorado Association of Robbery Investigators for his actions leading to the arrest of several "Hooded Safe Bandits" after a robbery on August 7, 2007 at Arby's on Federal Boulevard near 70 th Avenue. This is the first time a patrol officer has received such an honor by CARI in the 37 years it has been awarded. The Hooded Safe Bandits were responsible for several armed robberies in the Denver Metro area and drew the attention of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, and robbery detectives from multiple law enforcement agencies.

When the Arby's robbery was dispatched, Officer Rex chose to search the immediate area hoping to get a glimpse of the getaway car. Unfortunately for the robbers Officer Rex spotted them trying to flee the area on Federal Boulevard. In the next few hours this decision would lead to the capture of all the individuals associated with the "Hooded Safe Bandits" group.

Officer Rex was to be honored at the annual Colorado Association of Robbery Investigators conference in Glenwood Springs on May 28 th but was not able to attend. He received the award at the Westminster Police Department on June 19, 2008. Westminster is proud to honor Officer Rex for his diligence and hard work in capturing these criminals and recognize him for this award.