University Police Officers Honored

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — University of Arkansas Police Lt. Kathryn Huddler was named the department’s Employee of the Year at the annual UAPD awards banquet Dec. 19 at the Clarion Inn. Officer Mark Nichols was named Officer of the Year. Both awards are based on job performance and outstanding contributions to the University Police, and candidates for both awards are nominated by fellow members of the department. Huddler is a 10 year veteran of the UAPD; Nichols has served in the department for 18 years.

Huddler and Nichols were two of 18 men and women recognized for their accomplishments in 2006.

Officer Gerald Garrison was presented the DWI Award for the most DWI arrests during the year. The award was given by the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The Foot Patrol Award was given to Officer Jeff Shetlar for the most time spent patrolling the campus on foot. The award recognizes foot patrol as an important priority that enhances the public’s feeling of safety and security through increased officer visibility.

Officer Mike Pirtle won the Customer Service Award, given to the officer with the most proactive contacts through department programs such as crime prevention, community involvement programs, safety and security notifications, security checks, citizen assists and motorist assists.

The Marksmanship Award went to Sgt. Eric Heath for demonstrating the highest level of proficiency at a special training session.

Telecommunications Operator Stephanie Adams received the Civilian Service Award, given to a civilian or telecommunications operator who makes outstanding contributions to the department throughout the year.

In addition, 16 department members were honored in connection with four incidents involving emergency situations on campus. In one, the UAPD communications center received emergency calls and dispatched officers to help a person trapped between the thresholds of an elevator door by the elevator carriage. Communications center personnel broadcast essential information to the responding units, and officers arriving on the scene attended to the person until he could be successfully rescued from the elevator.

In three other incidents during the year communications center personnel received emergency calls and dispatched officers to intervene and assist persons who were in desperate need of assistance before life-ending decisions were initiated. In each case responding officers located the individual quickly and took actions that successfully resolved each crisis.

As a result of their quick and professional actions Sgt. Steve Meyer, Sgt. Ben Velasco, Officer Mark Nichols and Officer Keith Lunsford each received the department’s Life Saving Award. Meritorious Recognition awards were presented to Maj. Steve Gahagans, Lt. Kathryn Huddler, Sgt. Ben Velasco, Officer Mike Daub and Officer Robert Evans. Sgt. Mike Oakes, Officer Mike Pirtle, Officer Sid Ramirez, Officer Kami Gunther, Officer Keith Lunsford, Officer Andrea Vannatta and Telecommunications Operator Stephanie Adams each received a Letter of Commendation. Telecommunications Operator Dylan Hollums was presented two letters of commendation.