Metro News Release
For immediate release: May 16, 2006
Metro Transit Police Department honor officers’ achievements
Stopping robbers and carjackers, collecting evidence at crime scenes, interviewing victims, recruiting new officers and training first responders in the region are all part of a day’s work for members of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). The officers play a major role in Metro’s commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation for more than 1 million riders each weekday.
Last Friday, the department recognized individual officers for their contributions over the past year and presented Meritorious Service Awards, Distinguished Service Awards, Special Police Officer of the Year, Police Communications Specialists of the Year Award and Civilian Commendation Awards during a ceremony at Metro headquarters.
Officer Andra Vance received one of 20 Meritorious Service Awards, which recognize an officer’s outstanding conduct or achievement that reflects dedication to duty beyond normal standards.
While on patrol, Officer Vance witnessed an individual jump onto the tracks at L’Enfant Plaza station and grab the electrified third rail. Officer Vance immediately notified MTPD communications and requested to turn off third rail power. Officer Vance then calmly spoke with and calmed the man, then helped him off of the tracks.
“Officer Vance, by his cool and firm demeanor, put the subject at ease,” said MTPD Chief Polly Hanson. “He conducted himself professionally and displayed exemplary dedication in protecting the Authority’s customers.”
Officer Kenneth Honick also received a Meritorious Service medal for his role in catching two carjackers. Officer Honick canvassed the area near the Deanwood Metrorail station after hearing a report of an armed carjacking. He spotted and followed a car matching the description, and eventually chased two subjects on foot. After the subjects entered a nearby residence, Officer Honick updated MTPD communications, requested backup and set up a perimeter around the house. After a short time, one of the subjects was seen on the street and identified by the victim. The second subject was believed to be inside a home. Officer Honick entered the house with the assistance of officers from Prince George’s County and Seat Pleasant police, and found and arrested the second person.
“Officer Honick’s calm demeanor during a very dangerous situation ended without harm to anyone. His exemplary dedication to duty reflects great credit upon himself, as well as, enhance the professional image of the department,” said Chief Hanson.
Officers Murray Hunt, William Rush and Rosalind Thomas were recognized for developing and managing the Metro Transit Police First Responder Training Program. The course offers new officers training in patient assessment, bleeding and wound management, CPR, childbirth and medical emergencies. The officers also provide a refresher course for veterans. The course has been so successful and valuable that the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy requested that MTPD teach the course to all police recruits who attend the academy.
“The First Responder training staff performs above and beyond the call of duty in continuing to provide life saving first aid skills to law enforcement officers serving in our community,” said Chief Hanson.
A complete list of MTPD award recipients follows:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Captain Ronald R. Bodmer
Captain Michael Daly
Captain Jeff P. Delinski
Captain William H. Malone
Sergeant Joseph C. Missigman, III
Sergeant Roberta K. Stiftar
Officer Michael V. Aukard
Officer Deborah J. Beasley
Officer William M. Bieber (Retired)
Officer Kevin W. Brooks
Officer John A. Coppersmith
Officer Scott L. Dunn
Officer Michael K. Fultz
Officer Ronald G. Graves, Jr.
Officer Jose L. Irizzary
Officer Bruce D. Macpherson
Officer Brian Manion
Officer Dwight McFadden
Officer Stephen K. Morgan
Officer Mark M. Peterson
Officer Gladys F. Richardson
Officer Timothy M. Scheele
Officer J. Jeffrey Sesok
Investigator Gary W. Swanson
Officer Rosalind C. Thomas
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
Captain Amy Phillips
Lieutenant Ronald A. Pavlik, Jr.
Sergeant L.M.D.D. Biggs
Officer Tanya T. Anderson
Officer Brian R. Baker
Officer Scott M. Bird
Officer Raymond Bond, III
Officer Kevin W. Brooks
Officer Jonathan G. Gray
Officer Kenneth D.Honick
Officer Murray A. Hunt
Officer Matthew R. Mitrione
Officer Gregory B. Novotny
Officer William A. Rush
Officer J. Jeffrey Sesok
Officer Rosalind C. Thomas
Officer Charles N. Ullmann
Officer Andra L. Vance
Officer Bridgett M. Watson
Officer Jason C. Williams
COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
Specialist Nicole A.Walker
SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Special Police Officer Gerald A. Hardy
Special Police Officer Natasha A. Terrell
CIVILIAN COMMENDATION AWARD
Andrew E. Marcus
Kristine G. Gorman
Sheila M. Young
News release issued on May 16, 2006.