Eleven area police officers will be recognized by the Downtown Flint Optimist Club at the Officer of the Year & “Respect for Law” Luncheon 2015. This year’s event is set for Monday, May 4, 2015 at the Genesee Career Institute, 5081 Torrey Road in Flint.
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“We are excited to once again host this great event, honoring officers for their heroism, dedication, and outstanding service to the public,” said Mike Buckel, event chairman and Vice President of Operations for Sonitrol Tri-County.
The Optimist Club of Downtown Flint congratulates each of this year’s honorees:
Officer Albert Essix, Officer Scott Watson and Officer Keith Urquhart of the Flint Police Department; Paramedic Deputy Justin Hunt and Paramedic Deputy Steve Shelton of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; Officer Michael Schuyler of the Flint Township Police Department; Officer Nicholas Paul of the Swartz Creek Police Department; Detective Sergeant Mark Pendergraff of the Michigan State Police 3rd District Headquarters;
Ashley Risinger
In addition, the club is honoring Ashley Risinger, a second year student in the Forensic Science Program at Genesee Career Institute, as its Investigative Sciences Student of the Year.
City of Flint Officer Essix is being recognized as Officer of the Year – Heroism for his quick thinking and decisive actions in November of 2014 when confronting and arresting a drive-by shooter. The actions taken by Officer Essix may have prevented casualties.
City of Flint Officers Watson and Urquhart have been named Officer of the Year – Public Service for their vigilance and investigative skills in March 2015 which led to the resolution of more than 30 residential burglaries and conviction of the four individuals responsible for the crimes.
Genesee County Sheriff Department Paramedics Deputy Hunt and Shelton Officer of the Year – Heroism are being recognized for their rescue of a suicide attempt victim from the Flint River.
Flint Township Police Officer Schuyler and Swartz Creek Police Officer Paul have been named Officers of the Year – Heroism for their work apprehending a suspect with outstanding warrants. Officer Schuyler was shot during the altercation;
Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Pendergraff is being awarded Officer of the Year – Public Service for his investigation into and conviction of the person responsible for the death of Michael Arellano.
Grand Blanc Township Officers Wolschleger and Swartz are being recognized as Officer of the Year – Public Service for their work as resource officers for Grand Blanc Community Schools.
Michigan State Police Deputy Trooper SPL Tiffany Watson Officer of the Year – Public Service for her work on the Gaylor and Parker murder investigations.
“Honoring the men and women who serve honorably and protect our communities and citizens is particularly important in these challenging times,” says Mike Wanstreet, Sonitrol Tri-County president, “It is Sonitrol’s privilege to help recognize those officers who demonstrate heroism, valor and a great respect for law.”
First celebrated in 1958, National Law Day was declared by President Dwight Eisenhower as a day to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and recognize its importance for society.
For more information on Optimist Clubs visit www.optimist.org or find information about local Optimist Clubs at OptimistInAction.com.
About Sonitrol Tri-County
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