COLUMBIA, MO -- Members of the Columbia Police Department held their First Annual Awards Luncheon and Ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
Police Chief Ken Burton recognized the promotions, retirements, and other achievements of 2009.
Burton gave out four special awards for outstanding service during 2009.
Sgt. John Worden won Supervisor of the Year.
Front desk receptionist Debra Austeel won the Civilian Employee of the Year Award.
The Rookie of the Year honor went to Officer James “Andy” Meyer.
Overnight shift Officer Jill Wieneke won the Molly Thomas Bowden Officer of the Year Award. Chief Burton named that award after the only Columbia police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
“I’m really very honored," Wieneke said. "To get an award is really a good achievement, but to be the first one to get an award means so much because I got it from my peers. That makes it more of a heartfelt thing for me. I’m really happy. I’m really surprised and I’m really happy.”
In 2009, there were 22 Columbia police officers, detectives, and sergeants who earned letters of commendable performance.
This was the First Annual Awards Luncheon and Ceremony for the Columbia Police Department. Burton said it was the first of many.
Burton said his staff needs this type of recognition to help boost morale.
“This is something that I have done in previous agencies," Burton said. "I think, over a period of time, it will come to mean a lot to the employees that are honored. Everyone that was nominated here was a winner. Unfortunately, only one in each category can step forward. I think it is a testament to the outstanding men and women that work for the Columbia Police Department.”
Burton said the ones that received awards are special, but everyone in his department always goes above and beyond to serve and protect.
Click on the link below for a complete list of the officers receiving recognition.
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