HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.29.2020 Police Banquet
City of Plainview NEWS
901 Broadway St.
Plainview, TX 79072
March 2, 2020
City of Plainview’s Police Department held Annual
th
Banquet Friday, February 28; Awards and
Recognitions Presented
The City of Plainview’s Police Department held their annual banquet
th
on Friday, February 28. During the banquet, Chief Ken Coughlin
recognized officers and department staff with various awards as well
as those who completed training courses, received certifications and had various years
with the department.
“The purpose of tonight is to let you know that you are loved and appreciated,” said
Police Chief Ken Coughlin. “Our jobs are not easy and we see things most people do
not. Tonight, we honor you and your service to our community.”
Captain Dion Guerra was presented the Lifesaving Award. The award is presented to a
member of the department who is directly responsible for the saving of a human life.
The department received a call of a gentleman who had attempted suicide. First on
scene, Guerra got him in a safe position and began chest comprehensions until medical
personnel arrived. Without his actions, the gentleman would not be alive today.
Corporal Josh Vanbebber was awarded the Medal of Valor for exceptional bravery at
imminent risk of serious bodily injury. Cindy Hawkins was also presented a Certificate of
Merit/Distinguished Service for outstanding performance of duties performed under
unusual circumstances and Brian Morris also received a Distinguished Service award.
Filiberto Cordero was presented with the Community Service Award. The award is
presented for commendable actions taken by a community member who through
selflessness and duty to others assists law enforcement or places themselves in
imminent danger to save others. Mr. Cordero detained two suspects who were known
burglars to the department. His assistance in apprehending the burglars resulted in the
clearance of three different cases.
The Crisis Response Unit, Corporal David Ballard, Corporal Josh Vanbebber, Sgt.
Cindy Hawkins and Lt. Brigwater were presented a Distinguished Service Award for
their performance at the Crisis Negotiations Competition in San Marcos where they
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placed 11 out of 38 teams from around the nation and the world.
Luis Montelongo was named Supervisor of the Year, recognizing his high regard for his
employees and consistent leadership, integrity and support of their employees both
professionally and personally.
Cade Morris was recognized a Rookie of the Year. The award is presented to officers in
their first year of service for demonstration of exceptional levels of productivity,
improvement efforts, training and support of the department.
Officer of the Year was Andy VanCleave. This award is based on the same criteria as
Rookie of the Year and can be awarded to any patrolmen regardless of time of service.
Certificates were presented to David Ballard – Intermediate Peace Officer, Chris Hall –
Master Peace Officer, Samantha Hernandez – Basic Telecommunicator, Brian Morris –
Master Peace Officer, Cade Morris – Intermediate Peace Officer and Jesse Ortiz –
Advanced Peace Officer/Bachelor’s Degree.
Seven officers were recognized for different trainings they had completed throughout
the year. David Ballard completed New Supervisor training (40 hours), Bill Bridgwater
graduated from Leadership Command College, Jose Flores and Jose Nieto completed
Basic Swat training (60 hours), Dion Guerra attended FBI Command College (36
hours), Jeff Stalcup attended FEMA Basic Emergency Management (152 hours) and
Cody Ward attended Blood Stain Pattern training (80 hours).
David Ballard was also recognized for his promotion to Corporal and Dion Guerra was
recognized for 25 years of service to the department. Others recognized for years of
service include Jeff Erpelding – 15 years, Kaleb Tye – 10 years, David Ballard – 5
years, Chris Tristan – 5 years and Andy VanCleave – 5 years. New officers include
Lance Lucero, Joel Martinez, Makayla Navarro, Carlos Rivera, Chris Rodriguez, Hunter
Sanchez and Quentin Sells.
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