EPD recognizes several familiar faces and names in annual ceremony

(Katie Hill)

On the morning of February 14, 2020, the Eureka Police Department held its annual Promotional and Awards Ceremony at the Sequoia Conference Center.  Following an inspection of all uniformed sworn officers, the ceremony began at 8:30 AM with an introduction of the Department’s numerous new hires and the administration of their Oath of Office.  From June 11, 2018 – present, EPD has welcomed over 22 new members to our family.

These dedicated men and women are as follows:
 Catherine Rees, Communications Dispatcher
 Kaitlin Burke, Communications Dispatcher
 Laura Altic, Communications Dispatcher
  Dennis Gagnon, Parks/Waterfront Ranger  Jeremy Sollom, lateral Police Officer
  Joshua Horn, lateral Police Officer
 Dillon Huffman, Police Officer (sponsored through the College of the Redwoods basic police academy as a recruit)
   Dimitrios Tagaropoulos, Police Officer (sponsored through the College of the Redwoods basic police academy as a recruit)
 Jereme Mullen, Police Officer (sponsored through the College of the Redwoods basic police academy as a  recruit)
 Spencer Barrett, Police Officer (former EPD Police Explorer sponsored through the College of the Redwoods basic police academy as a recruit)
 Tanner Duke, Police Officer (former EPD Police Explorer sponsored through the College of the Redwoods basic police academy as a recruit)
 David Wilm, Police Officer
 Ty Craig, Police Officer
  Jayme Clark, Police Recruit (sponsored through the College of the Redwoods basic police academy as a recruit)
  Ronald Sligh, Reserve Officer
  Chandler Baird, Reserve Officer
  Carly Balk, Evidence Technician II
 Coleen Sandberg, Police Records Specialist
   Mackenzie Coutts, Police Records Specialist
  Kenneth Donithan, Community Services Officer   Max Michael, part-time Property Technician
  William Springmeier, part-time Parking Enforcement Officer

The following members were recognized by Chief Stephen Watson for their recent promotions: 
 Officer Wayne Rabang, promoted to Police Sergeant (effective May 2020)
 Officer Jon Omey, promoted to Police Sergeant (effective May 2020)
  Sergeant Gregory Hill, promoted to supervising Detective-Sergeant of the Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP)
  Officer Nicholas Darby, promoted to POP Detective
  Officer Joseph Couch, promoted to POP Detective
 Sergeant Terry Liles, promoted to supervising Detective-Sergeant of the Criminal Investigations Section (CIS)

Chief Watson was then honored to present a very deserving member of our family and community, Judy Sousa, with the Department’s prestigious Valor-Service Challenge Coin Award.

 From the award citation: EPD is committed to promoting community-oriented policing concepts and positive relations with the public we serve.  We further this purpose by acknowledging valued citizens and groups who commit acts of extraordinary kindness or valor, unselfishly give of themselves to help others, or perform other good deeds that go above and beyond the normal courtesies society expects.   To this end, we commissioned the minting of a special “challenge coin” to be awarded to deserving individuals who give of themselves in an exceptional  manner.  This unique full-color coin represents the Eureka Police Department’s cherished values of VALOR, SERVICE, and COMMUNITY and may be displayed proudly.

Through her selfless labors over the years, Judy has truly exemplified the meaning of “service” and “community.”   The many examples cited of Judy’s generosity and selfless spirit include her support for the Department’s annual Shop with a Cop event, co-administering the City’s Neighborhood Watch program with over 3,000 members, and sewing autism awareness seatbelt covers for families of individuals with autism.  These brightly colored covers will assist first responders in their interaction with individuals where quick identification of autism would be beneficial. Judy was also recognized for her great dedication, loyalty and care for the men and women of the Eureka Police Department. 

Following Judy’s recognition, Detective Richard Bise, Chair of the Awards Committee, presented the Department’s remaining awards as follows:

Life Saving Award:
  Officer Mark Meftah

 Excellence Award:
 Detective Corrie Watson
 Special Agent Dustin Nantz
  Katie Hill, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police   Amanda O’Neill, Police Records Manager Unit

Commendation Award:  Criminal Investigations Section (CIS)
  Sergeant Patrick O’Neill
  Senior Detective Ronald Harpham
  Senior Detective Amber Cosetti
  Detective Richard Bise
  Detective (retired) John Gordon Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET)
 Sergeant Leonard LaFrance
 Ranger Drake Goodale
 Officer Ryan Swanson (Mobile Intervention and Services Team)
 Officer Brian Ross
 Ranger Dennis Gagnon

 Homeless and Mental Health Liaison Pamlyn Millsap

Team 2 Patrol

 Sergeant Stan Harkness
  Officer Mark Meftah
 Officer Stephen Linfoot
  Detective Nicholas Dalby
 Officer Ryan Swanson