The Arlington Police Department celebrated the best of the best at their 2020 Annual and Biannual Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Officer R. Polk sang a beautiful National Anthem and the Honor Guard was there to present the colors.

The recognitions started with Officer D. Szatkowski who received the Purple Heart award, Deputy Chief C. Cook received the Distinguished Service Award, our Training Staff received the Medal of Merit for creating a Hate Crimes class that is being adopted by other departments. Officer R. Jackson earned a Police Officer’s Award and 9 officers received the Life Saving Award. Several officers and employees were recognized for their years of dedicated service culminating with the rarely earned 40 Year Service Award given to Motors Cpl. Dick Hill.

The Annual Awards started with our Business Partnership Award given to Alliance For Children for their tireless efforts in assisting the department in protecting the most vulnerable in our community. The Citizens Community Award was given to Felicia Williams for her service in making our community better through programs and training.

The Officers of the Year:

• Officer G. Moreno – Community Support Officer of the Year
• Detective T. Dixon – Detective of the Year
• Officer D. Gordon – Operations Officer of the Year
• Investigative Aide C. Ventura-Baez - Professional Employee of the Year – Administrative
• Research and Development Manager B. Dove - Professional Employee of the Year – Technical
• Officer C. Urlacher – Rookie of the Year
• Officer D. Baker – East District Officer of the Year
• Officer J. Camacho – North District Officer of the Year
• Officer J. Welch – South District Officer of the Year
• Corporal J. Bennett – West District Officer of the Year
• Sergeant B. Jones – Supervisor of the Year
• Detective J. Donalson – Overall Officer of the Year

Ms. Tashara Parker with WFAA was the emcee and did a wonderful job. Thanks to each of the nominees who were also recognized for their hard work and service. a special thanks to those on the Awards Committee who spent countless hours planning and setting up the ceremony. The department also wanted to recognize sponsors, including Arlington Police Foundation, All American Awards and the Arlington ISD who made the ceremony possible and special.