Awards banquet recognizes police department employees

The Citizen Police Academy Alumni hosted a dinner Tuesday night to recognize the efforts of Ponca City Police Officers and Civilian employees for their accomplishments in 2014.

Detective Lieutenant Richard Evans was named the 2014 Officer of the Year, and Civilian Employee of the year was Laura Klein. Evans and Klein were nominated by their peers, and selected by past recipients of the award.

Other employees receiving commendations include: Dispatcher Gail Rains, Dispatcher Tim Powell, Dispatcher Charlotte Baker, Deputy Chief Anthony Rogers, Lieutenant Regeneia VanArsdale, Lieutenant Clint Wood, Sergeant Brian Dye, Sergeant Fred Landis, Sergeant Robert Smith, Sergeant Fabron Porter, Corporal Cory Vincent, Corporal Ben Garrison & K9 Blitz, Patrolman Don Laxson and Patrolman Rock Minghetti.

Those who received promotions during 2014 were also recognized. The following officers were promoted to Corporal: Dana Fisher, Ben Garrison, Elliott Lindsey, Bryce Shelton and Cory Vincent. Paul Qualls was promoted to Sergeant. Tucker Hodgson was promoted to Lieutenant and Anthony Rogers was appointed Deputy Chief.

Those completing one year of service were recognized and include Booking Officer Nathan Scott, Patrolman Jared Gray, Patrolman Steven Yinger, Booking Officer Adrian Reyes, Dispatcher Andrea Simon and Booking Officer Morgan Collins.

Those completing five years of service were also recognized for their service and include Patrolman TZ Reyes, Dispatcher Jonathan Schaefer and Corporal Cory Vincent.

Dispatcher Tim Powell was recognized for completing ten years of service during 2014 and Sergeant Chad VanHoesen was recognized for 15 years of service.

Those completing 20 years of service during 2014 were Chief Don Bohon, Sergeant Tom Burg, Sergeant Fred Landis and Captain Earl Watkins. Public Information Officer Sherry Bowers reached the 30 year mark during 2014.

Employees hired during 2014 include: Dispatcher Cindy Briskin, Animal Control Officer Randy Empting, Patrolman Alex Myatt, Patrolman Cody Womack, Patrolman Daniel Morrison, Records Clerk Deanna Hinshaw, Patrolman Darold Ross, Patrolman Maggie Frost, Dispatcher Travis Frost and Records Clerk Dolley Rolland.