Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Feb 4, 2009

Phone: (318) 525-5066 Fax: (318) 673-6933

Contact: Cpl Bill Goodin, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Officers Honored at Awards Banquet

The Shreveport Police Department honored some of its own last night who went above and beyond the call of duty in 2008.

The department’s Annual Awards Banquet, which was held at Riverview Hall last night, attracted such dignitaries as Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover, Sheriff Steve Prator, Coroner Dr. Todd Thoma, Judge Leon Emanuel, Shreveport City Marshal Charlie Caldwell, and Shreveport’s Chief Administrative Officer, Dale Sibley. The affair was sponsored by the North Shreveport Business Association.

Below is a list of officers and civilian employees who received awards from Police Chief Henry Whitehorn and his staff, followed by a brief synopsis of why they were chosen to receive the honor:

Chief’s Appreciation Awards

The following officers received the Chief’s Appreciation Award: Officer Joel Davidson, Officer Creston Heard, Officer Jason Jones, Officer Corley Lovett, Officer Landry Ducote, Officer Alvin Harvey, Officer Joan Catanese, Officer Billy Johnson, Officer Gilbert Monereau, Officer Chadvist Prim, and Officer Frankie Miles. These officers were all part of our Street Corner Strike Team that worked hard to reduce violent crime and make our city a safer place to live. The team members were responsible for addressing and reducing Part I Crimes in certain target areas. This diverse group of officers proved themselves to be a very committed and capable team. Their diligent efforts resulted in over 75 felony arrests and more than 200 misdemeanor arrests.

Commendation Medal

Officer Hai Phan was honored with the Departmental Commendation Medal for his role in rendering assistance to a deaf mute homeless man who was living on the streets in our downtown area. Officer Phan took it upon himself to work on his own time to help his fellow man find a place to live, food to eat, and an income to live on. This homeless man habitually slept in bank ATM enclosures in the downtown area and inadvertently frightened the public by his presence. He had been arrested several times by many officers. After arresting him, Officer Phan requested the jail notify him upon his release. At that time, Officer Phan transported the man to Centerpoint where he obtained the needed assistance. In large part because of Officer Phan’s dedication to duty, there is one less person sleeping on the streets in Shreveport.

Purple Hearts

On January 29, 2008, Officer John Madjerick was working hard to keep our city safe when he stopped a suspect in the 7100 block of Suntan. During the course of this investigation, the suspect produced a handgun and proceeded to shoot Officer Madjerick in the face. Officer Madjerick was seriously wounded protecting the citizens of Shreveport.

On May 30, 2008, Sgt. Pam Lee responded to a burglary in progress call in the 9400 block of Wardlow. Upon arrival, Sgt. Lee was attacked by the suspect who had broken in and battered the homeowner. During this attack, Sgt. Lee was seriously injured. Sgt. Lee disregarded her own safety in the commission of her duties.

Life Saving Awards

Officer Marcus Hines - On January 20, 2008 while off-duty, Officer Marcus Hines noticed smoke coming from an apartment complex on W. 70th St.. Officer Hines responded to the scene and was told by residents two children were still inside the apartment. Officer Hines notified Dispatch and at great personal risk attempted to enter the burning apartment to save the children trapped inside.

Sgt. J.D. Stalnaker - On September 28, Sgt. J.D. Stalnaker responded to an apartment fire in the 4300 block of Illinois. After Sgt. Stalnaker got the residents out of the building, he calmly notified over 30 residents in adjoining apartment buildings to evacuate. Shortly after the buildings were evacuated, flames spread and engulfed them completely.

Cpl. Clint Cain - While eating at a local restaurant, Cpl. Clint Cain was notified by a citizen of an elderly man passed out and not breathing in the parking lot. Cpl. Cain immediately administered life saving first aid by opening the victim’s airway until medical units could be summoned.

Ofc. Kendrick Veals - During the apprehension of an individual who was wanted for an assault, the suspect pulled a butcher knife from his waist band with the intent of stabbing a police officer. Officer Veal’s quick thinking and fast reaction saved his fellow officer.

Cpl. Kevin Strickland - While working a wreck, Cpl. Strickland observed a parent whose child was choking. With quick and decisive action, Cpl. Strickland administered lifesaving first aid and dislodged the piece of candy stuck in the child’s throat.

Sgt. Stephen Plunkett - During the course of a special robbery intervention detail, the two words no officer ever wants to hear came over the police radio: “Officer Down”. Sgt. Plunkett was on the scene in seconds and found a fellow officer suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Sgt. Plunkett was able to keep Ofc. John Madjerick conscious, alert, and in the fight until medic units arrived. Sgt. Plunkett remained calm during this traumatic experience and even coordinated a police escort to the hospital for the wounded officer.

Sgt. Stephen Plunkett and Cpl. Joshua Pettigrew - Both of these officers responded to another officer’s call for help and upon arrival they found one of their fellow officers fighting for her life against an attacker who had already received several jolts from a Taser. Both Sgt. Plunkett and Cpl. Pettigrew were forced to fight the individual, who was in the process of choking her.

Investigations Division

Civilian of the Year: This year’s Civilian of the Year for Investigations has been assigned to the detective bureau for five years. Her daily job brings her in contact with every unit under the investigations umbrella. She is required to multi-task and “shift gears” frequently. Although her day can be hectic and stressful, she remains calm and pleasant. She never complains about her tasks, and is an efficient, quick learning and a loyal employee. The Civilian of the Year award was given to Ms. Debbie Harris.

Investigator of the Year: The Investigator of the Year is an officer who epitomizes the phrase “getting the job done.” During 2008, this detective was assigned 121 cases, closing over 80 percent of them by year’s end. This detective also closed every homicide assigned to him, despite having more cases assigned to him than any other detective. Detective Jeffery Brown was awarded the Investigator of the Year award.

Supervisor of the Year: The Supervisor of the Year award went to a Sergeant who has been with the department since 1990. This Sergeant has been assigned to the DEA Task Force for the past 2 and half years. His job is to supervisor not only Shreveport police officers but also DEA Agents, State Police, Caddo Parish Deputies, as well as the Shreveport Police Officers assigned to the FBI and ATF Task forces. This Supervisor was also instrumental in recent investigation and sentencing of two local judges which garnered him recognition from the FBI. Sergeant Mark Davis is the Supervisor of the year for the Investigations Division.

Unit Citations: During 2008 the City of Shreveport experienced 33 Homicides. These crimes represent some of the most heinous criminal acts committed in our community. Among some of the more difficult cases worked by this unit in 2008 involved the murder of a clerk at a local pawn shop, and the murder of an individual during a drive-by shooting , which landed ten people behind bars for their role in the homicide. These cases alone would tax even the most experienced investigative team. Despite these challenging cases, the Day Shift Homicide Unit had a closure rate for homicides nearly 20 percent higher than the national average and successfully closed 70 percent of the nearly 500 violent crimes cases assigned to them. The Day Shift Homicide Unit was awarded the Unit Citation for their outstanding work this past year.

Members of the unit are:

• Sgt. Jody Jones

• Det. Rodney Johnson

• Det. Shawn Hinderberger

• Det. Rodney Demery

• Det. Lane Smith

• Det. Jeffery Brown

Support Division

Civilian of the Year: This year’s Civilian of the Year for the Support Division sets the standard for the Support Division. During 2008, this individual processed more information than anyone else in the state. While this record alone is impressive, doing it with NO mishaps makes the job of policing that much easier. Guy Desmarais was awarded the Civilian of the Year award for the Support division.

Officer of the Year: The Officer of the Year for the Support division has been a member of the Police Department since 1990. While Patrol Officers are the first responders to a crime scene, the initial contact is usually made through a call to 911. A Police Communications Officer must have the ability to maintain a calm and professional bearing while trying to gather information which will be useful to patrol officers when they arrive on scene. This year’s Officer of the Year award winner exemplifies these traits. This year’s winner is Police Communications Officer Rebecca Williams

Supervisor of the Year: The Supervisor of the Year award goes to an individual who has been a member of the Shreveport Police Department since 1984. As a Supervisor over the property room, Lt. Don Johnson has been responsible for the monumental task of purging the Property Room of evidence which no longer needed to be house by the Police Department. Also under Lt. Johnson’s watch, the property room was able to purchase much needed equipment which aided in the destruction of weapons and seized evidence. The Supervisor of the Year Award went to Lt. Donald Johnson.

Uniform Services Division

Civilian of the Year: The Civilian of the Year for the Uniform Services Division is known city-wide as a dependable partner who can, and has been called upon to, promote and represent the Shreveport Police Department in a positive light. As a member of the Neighborhood Assistance Team, she conceived the “Neighborhood Networking” concept where different neighborhoods come together and share ideas to reduce crime. Mary Ellen Hoffman is this year’s USD Civilian of the Year.

Officer of the Year: The Officer of the Year award is not something that should be taken lightly. In the past this award has been given to officers who exemplify consistency, competency, character, compassion, community, and camaraderie. This year’s award winner embodies these qualities on a daily basis. Whether she is assisting in the training of new recruits or serving her community, her dedication to duty is always apparent. This year’s USD Officer of the Year is Cpl. Fontonia Davis.

Rookie of the Year: The Rookie of the Year award went to an officer who is energetic, hard working and exhibits the sound decision making skills consistent with professional policing. This officer has a positive can-do attitude which rubs off on those he serves with. Officer Brieco Savannah is this year’s Rookie of the Year.

Training Officer of the Year: Training those who will follow in your footsteps is a task few are able to do, let alone do well. This year’s Training Officer of the Year is an excellent example of what a training officer should be. He is extremely knowledgeable and passes that knowledge onto new recruits even when they are not assigned to him. Cpl. Richard McDonald is well respected by his peers, trainees and supervisors.

Supervisor of the Year: This years Supervisor of the Year award goes to a sergeant who has been with the Shreveport Police Department since 1991. Since being assigned to a supervisory role, she has established herself as a skillful and exemplary leader, working hard with those assigned to her to make the lives of the citizens of Shreveport better. Her enthusiasm for the job is evident in the way she has inspired and motivated both her subordinates and peers alike. Sergeant Collette Kelly was awarded the Supervisor of the Year award.

Auxiliary Officer of the Year: The Auxiliary Officer of the Year award went to Auxiliary Officer Lisa Thomas. Lisa has been an Auxiliary Officer since 2006 and serves as the training officer for the program. She put in over 300 hours of service in 2008 and her dedication to the Shreveport Police Department is to be commended.

Police Pastor of the Year: The Police Pastor of the Year award went to Pastor Ernest James. Pastor James has been with our department since 2000 and has served in the past as the program coordinator for our Pastors on Patrol. Pastor James’ dedication to providing spiritual enrichment to not only the men and women of the Shreveport Police Department but to the communities we serve speaks volumes about his character.

Administration Division

Civilian of the Year: The Civilian of the Year for the Administration Division is an indispensable part of the Police Department. When Hurricane evacuees began to arrive in Shreveport, she took over the job of running the Special Services Office. She had to assume this role when the officers assigned were pulled in order to help man the Emergency Operations Center. Mrs. Sharon James has distinguished herself as an asset to both the Shreveport Police Department and the citizens we serve. Mrs. Sharon James is the Civilian of the Year award for the Administration division.

Supervisor of the Year: The supervisor of the year works in the Panning and Research unit and is the primary writer of all policies. In addition to his primary duties, Sergeant Richard Carroll also manned the Emergency Operating Center during every major crisis in 2008, which included flooding, two hurricanes and a major pipe line break. Sgt. Carroll has always gone above and beyond the call of duty which is why he is the Administration Division Supervisor of the Year.

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View all SPD press releases at www.shreveportla.gov