The Marana Police Department held its annual awards ceremony in early March at the Stardance Event Center in Marana.
For his work as a Detective with the Street Level Squad of the Counter Narcotics Alliance, Officer Dan Powell was named Officer of the Year. Dan became one of the top undercover officers in the task force and throughout Pima County. The role of an undercover officer is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement, requiring the ability to adapt to any situation, talk and interact with all types of people, and often work alone in dangerous environments.
“Over the course of 2019, Officer Dan Powell has continually displayed a high level of performance, greatly exceeded expectations, and has made outstanding contributions to the Marana Police Department and Pima County. Dan exemplifies everything we look for when selecting an Officer of the Year Award,” said Captain Roberto Jimenez, who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
The Medal of Valor was awarded to Officer Steve Copp, who responded to a 911 call involving a stabbing in March 2019. Officer Copp’s actions resulted in the life-saving measures of three subjects and preserved the lives of the two innocent victims. He was recognized with the Medal of Valor for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and heroism in a time of immense pressure.
Six individuals received the Chief’s Citation of Excellence. Steve Copp, Nick Goering, and Randy Korth were recognized for their quick thinking and actions to provide first aid assistance in a traffic accident.
Chris Gilbert was recognized for her work in the Crime Scene Unit, performing many important tasks like the transcription of criminal investigation interviews and her confidential handling of sensitive matters.
Joe Riley and Michelle Otero were recognized for providing the necessary communication and notifications for the 911 call from the March 2019 stabbing incident. Michelle Otero was able to gather information from the 911 caller, while Joe Riley provided updated information to the responding officers.
“Many times, we focus on the physical actions of the officers during an incident and don’t recognize the stress and emotions from those who have contact with the helpless victims,” said Captain Roberto Jimenez, “Michelle Otero and Joe Riley are commended for their composure during such a stressful incident.”
Bill Dittiger, Clayton Strahle, and Erin Ysaguirre were recognized for their promotion to Sergeant, and two civilian employees were recognized for reaching milestone anniversaries, including Sandra Wonder and Jen Mangialardi who have been with the MPD for five years.
During the badge pinning ceremony, ten new officers were welcomed into the fold. Chief Terry Rozema likes to conduct the badge pinning at the ceremony as a way for the new officers to be welcomed by their peers and to involve their friends and family who play an important role in supporting the men and women of MPD.
The Communications Unit received the Unit Citation of the Year for their continuous work as the “silent first responders” and their dedication to the mission statement of Unparalleled Service and Unwavering Protection. The unit has been short-staffed for over a year, forcing many hours of overtime, working in less than desirable conditions during current remodels, and a complete relocation with multiple schedule changes, but the unit still maintains a high level of professionalism.
Michelle Otero and Tom Mooney, as well as Officers Dan Rowan, Randy Korth, and Steve Bejarano, were presented with the Distinguished Service Award.
Tom Cox was awarded Volunteer of the Year, while Grace Neal was the department’s Civilian of the Year.
