PRESS RELEASE
Prepared by: Renée Werner
For more information, contact:
Arthur McDermott, President
Citizens Appreciate Police
DENVER, December 14, 2009 – Fourteen Denver police officers that have received the Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) Award this year will be honored with a Mayoral Certificate of Appreciation during a 10:00 a.m. ceremony on Monday, December 14, 2009, in the Rotunda of the City and County Building.
Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a non-profit organization that recognizes Denver police officers that serve the public above and beyond the regular call of duty. Since inception, more than 200 officers have received the CAP award.
The CAP board, consisting of 15 citizen volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients and present awards. Each award winner receives a pin that is worn on the officer’s uniform and a plaque. Nominations for the CAP Award come primarily from letters to the Chief of Police from private citizens commending an officer for their actions while either on or off duty. To submit a nomination directly, letters may be sent to: Citizens Appreciate Police, 3921 Holly St, Denver, CO 80207, Attn: Renée Werner
This year’s CAP Award winners are:
Detective Bryan Slay (91058) for his assistance with a mentally disabled sexual assault victim. Due to the sensitive nature of this call it was noted by the victim’s family how extremely professional, kind and caring Detective Slay was during the investigation.
Officer Jeffrey Thomason (06118) for his assistance with two elderly travelers who were attempting to return their rental car and got lost. Officer Thomason kindly arranged for towing, offered his air-conditioned car to wait in and guided them to the Car Rental Office and safely to their motel. These two parties were very appreciative of Officer Thomason’s patience and assistance.
Officer Tony Bruce (98020) who took it upon himself to help a retired homeowner whose property was vandalized. Officer Bruce on his own time purchased the materials, made the repairs and cleared accumulated litter from the property. The homeowner commended Officer Bruce for his dedication to the Department as well as the community.
Technician Ernest Quintana (01052) for his assistance with a Marine who recently came from Afghanistan and was traveling with his three year old son on the Greyhound Bus. The Marine’s duffle bag which contained his ID card, medication and bus ticket was lost. The Marine and his son spent 2 days on the bus with no money or food. After hearing of the stranded parties bad luck Technician Quintana bought a new bus ticket and gave money for food.
Sergeant Kevin Smith (86057), Officer Brian Pacelko (00019), and Officer Joshua Valerio (03005) who took it upon themselves to assist a stranded female party at the Greyhound Bus Station. The officers pooled their resources and purchased a bus ticket so the female could get home and also made certain she had adequate money to purchase food for the long (20 hour) road trip back to her home town.
Technician Ambrose Slaughter (01065) for his assistance with a party who suffered a heart attack. Tech. Slaughter responded on the call, transported the victim’s wife to the hospital, and contacted other family members to keep them apprised of the situation. He also stayed with the family at the hospital and arranged for a Victim Advocate to assist them. The family noted that Tech. Slaughter is a man of compassion, sensitivity, and is a genuine caring and nice person.
Sergeant Greg Jones (85018), Detective Ranjan Ford (01071), Corporal Christopher Foegen (95056), Officer Gerald Juarez (04104), Officer Danielle Miner (06126) and Officer Michael Stoney (08040) The Officers responded to Oliver’s Meat Market on the unfortunate report of an employee who lost her arm in a meat grinder. The family of the victim are very appreciative, and relayed “The Officers not only saved the life of dearly loved member of our family who is a new mother, but saved my husband from the grief of facing and cleaning up a horrific tragedy of a loved one.”
