Submitted by City of Olympia
In a ceremony today, Olympia Police Chief Ronnie Roberts honored both members of the public and members of the Police Department for their service to the community in 2012. Each year, the Olympia Police Department meets during National Police Week to recognize those who have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” to help provide a safe and secure city. Chief Roberts thanked the award recipients for their dedication to community and to duty.
- Life Saving Award: Mr. Ralph Osgood and Mr. Rhys McCray, were honored this year with a Life Saving Award for the help they gave to a suicidal woman who was trying to jump off the Capitol Way bridge onto I-5. Officers Kory Pearce, Amy King, Ryan Donald, and Duane Hinrichs were also recognized for helping bring the woman to safety.
- Medal of Valor: Officer Mike Hovda received a Medal of Valor for his actions that prevented injury to officers by a suspect wielding a gun.
- Partnership Awards: Awards are given to members of the community who partner with the police to address crime. Mr. Peter Guttchen, Ms. Angie Warner-Rein and Ms. Linda Donaldson were recognized for their efforts to keep their neighborhoods safe.
- Chief’s Awards: Awards are given to individuals who provided exemplary service to the Department in 2012. Those receiving Chief’s Awards included Officers Jason Watkins and Paul Evers, Sergeant Jim Black, and Corrections Officer Kelli Hull.
- Employee of the Year (non-commissioned): Lonnie Griffin received this award for his exceptional work in Evidence and in Customer Service.
- Officer of the Year: Chris Johnstone received the Officer of the Year award for his outstanding work as a Detective.
