By Daily Press staff
Santa Monica’s top cops were honored this weekend for their heroism and service in the community.
The Santa Monica Police Department’s Awards Banquet was held on Friday at the Casa Del Mar Hotel, where most of the city council and the city’s top staff were on hand to show appreciation to the department.
David Sampson, Jr. received the citizen involvement award for assisting in the apprehension of an armed bank robbery suspect, and John Catoe, Deputy CEO for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The following awards were presented by the SMPD:
CHIEF’S AWARD
· John Beard, KTTV Fox 11
For donating his time to narrate the Emmy nominated SMPD documentary “Every 15 Minutes, For My Friends” about the tragic effects of teen drinking-and-driving and countless other volunteer activities which benefit the police department and the Santa Monica community.
· James Hirt, Sergeant
· Christopher Dawson, Investigator
MEDAL OF COURAGE
Awarded to any police department employee for an act of extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
MEDAL OF MERIT
· Jason Mann, Range Master
· Eric Uller, Police Technology Specialist
· Michael Cveyich, Crime Prevention Coordinator
· Christopher Dawson, Investigator
Awarded to any police department employee for distinguished and outstanding service of an exemplary nature.
LINE OF DUTY MEDAL
· James Hirt, Sergeant
· Cristina Coria, Police Officer
· Steven Wong, Police Officer
Awarded to any police department employee who, through no fault of their own, sustains serious or career-debilitating injuries during the performance of job-related functions.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AWARD
· Mr. David Sampson, Jr.
The Citizen Involvement Award is given to someone who goes above and beyond the norm, redefines and takes to heart the term “civic duty.”
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
412,· Denise Cepeda, Crossing Guard
· Hazel Darden, Transcriber Typist
· Kathy Keane, Sergeant
· Carol Lekowski, Identification Technician
· Alfonso Lozano, Cadet
· Erick Milosevich, Investigator
· Katherine Mitchell, Community Service Officer
· Alex Padilla, Lieutenant
· Rene Talbot, Youth Service Counselor
Honors an employee whose performance has made a significant contribution or improvement to the operation of the police department by going above and beyond the duties of their jobs.
CITY ATTORNEY’S AWARD
· Ira Rutan, Sergeant
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
· Donald Doss, Technical Police Reserve, 2001
· James Hirt, Sergeant, Santa Monica Police Officer’s Association, 2001/2000
· Michael Bambrick, Police Officer, Santa Monica Police Officer’s Association, 1999
· Michael Bambrick, Police Officer, JAYCEES, 2001
· Steve Heineman, Sergeant, JAYCEES, 2000
· Greg Smiley, Sergeant, JAYCEES, 1999
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD
· Gary Gallinot, Captain, Lion’s Club
· Nancy Burum, Detective, Elks Lodge
· Cristina Coria, Police Offcer, American Legion
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 13, 2002. Read the original PDF.