The Turlock Police Department took time Thursday morning to recognize the outstanding work done by the personnel within the department at their annual breakfast.

“One of the biggest accolades we should give is that Turlock Police Department has done a great job in keeping our citizens safe and being safe during a busy year,” said Turlock Police Chief Nino Amirfar. “I am proud to be part of this family and working with all of you. During the last year, we have had to endure some challenges through retirements and resignations, yet we continued on serving as if the challenges didn’t occur.”

Those earning the awards were nominated by their peers and then chosen by the awards committee.

The department chose Records Supervisor Lilia Franco as the Employee of the Year. Those who nominated Franco commented on her fairness and her high standards for herself in the role of a leader and as a mentor.

One nominator said: “Supervisor Lilia Franco has done an outstanding job at turning around the Records Unit for the better. The work is now more streamlined and efficient.”

The Volunteer of the Year award was bestowed on Tom Vincent. Vincent had a lengthy career in law enforcement and even after his retirement has continued to help serve the people of Turlock as a volunteer at the police department.

In nominating Vincent, it was stated: “Tom assists at the front counter and is, at times, the first face of people of Turlock to see when they come to the department. I feel this, along with Tom’s dedication and enjoyment for public service, should be recognized. Tom has given so much to this department and deserves recognition for that. Giving a lifetime to public safety is such an amazing dedication.”

The Officer of the Year award was given to Sgt. Steven Crawford, who was selected for his leadership and consistent quality of service to the community and his fellow officers.

The Excellence Award is given to a unit or an employee who has done an outstanding job over the year and this year it was awarded to the patrol unit, the largest unit in the department.

“They are the employees doing the most day-to-day work that has an impact on our city,” said Amifar.

The patrol unit awardees were: Capt. Miguel Pacheco, Lt. Neil Cervenka, Lt. Joey Mercado, Lt. Stephen Webb, Sgt. Steve Crawford, Sgt. Ramon Godoy, Sgt. Lee Medlin, Sgt. Michael Parmley, Sgt. Steve Rodrigues, Sgt. Joseph Rodriguez, Cpl. Raul Garcia, Cpl. Ian Rodriguez, Officers Gavin Allison, Donna Anthieny, Andrew Berg, Thomas Bohanan, Kim Briggs, Jessica Clark, Brett Conrad, Marco Diaz, Hiram Duncan, Joseph Dusel, Dustin Ferreira, Richard Fortado, Gina Giovacchini, Paul Heppner, Alex Jimenez, Derek Johnson, Nimrod Khamo, Kristi Lavrar-Meraz, Cody Lawrence, Mayra Lewis, Monica Maschal, Adam McKay, Queray McMihelk, Edgar Meraz, Frank Neves, Sergio Perez, Donald Powell, Joseph Ramos, Devin Rush, Allen Samano, Michael Shaw, Michael Stapler, Jonathan Yerzy, Jacob Young, Community Service Officers Ruth Hoover, Rosemary Howser, Karen Johnson, and Rochelle Segarini.

Special Commendation Awards were given to Evidence and Property Specialist Deanna Shaw and Lead Dispatcher Katie Calvache, both of whom filled critical needs when the dispatch unit was short staffed.

The investigations Unit also was given a Special Commendation for their work over the last year, including the closing of seven of the nine homicides, said Amirfar. Honored were: Capt. Steven Williams, Lt. James Silveira, Sgt. Victor Barcelos, Detectives Brandon Bertram, Kevin Blanc, Paul Inderbitzen, Cliff Lewis, Frank Navarro, Tim Redd, Jason Tosta, and Jason Watson.