Each year, the Arlington Police Department hosts an awards ceremony to recognize the dedication and impressive work of employees. Public safety is at the core of the department's mission, and these honored employees were recognized Thursday during a ceremony for their continuing efforts toward that goal.

At the lunchtime celebration, a detective was honored for his dedicated work toward gang enforcement and his kind-hearted efforts at helping a man escape that dangerous lifestyle.

A rookie officer, who quickly developed a strong sense of teamwork and a keen understanding of the importance of enforcement combined with community involvement, was recognized.

A lieutenant, who played a vital role in developing behind-the-scene planning and contingency plans for Super Bowl XLV and the Texas Rangers second consecutive World Series run, was also honored.

Community Watch Group organizers, and The Parks Mall and its security were also award recipients for their partnerships with the police department.

The annual award program is named for John V. McMillan, a Tarrant county businessman and philanthropist who established a tradition of giving back. McMillan was a founding member of the Fort Worth Police Officers' Award Foundation. He died in 2001. His daughter, Jeri McMillan Anfin, shared her father's passion for family and community, began sponsoring the awards program in 2004, and died in 2007.

The 2011 Award Recipients are:
Citizens Community Award - Cynthia Delanoy with the Summerwood Community Watch Group
Business Partnership Award - The Parks Mall/Valor Security
Rookie Officer of the Year - Officer Travis Rodermund
Detective of the Year - Detective Paul Balson
Operations Officer of the Year - Officer Jason Belz
Community Support Officer of the Year - Officer Kimberly Fretwell
Professional Employee of the Year/Administrative - Verna Matthews
Professional Employee of the Year/Exempt - Tiara Richard
North District Officer of the Year - Officer Juan Rodriguez
East District Officer of the Year - Officer Damien Gary
West District Officer of the Year - Officer Jay Robinson
South District Officer of the Year - Officer Carla Strauser
Officer of the Year - Corporal James Garrow
Supervisor of the Year - Lieutenant Leland Strickland

Read details about the award recipients and other ceremony highlights at www.arlingtonpd.org.

By Tiara Ellis Richard