UM-Flint's Department of Public Safety presents annual awards

UM-Flint's Department of Public Safety (DPS) held its annual awards presentation on May 17.

This is the sixth year DPS has held this event, which is meant to "highlight the accomplishments of the individual members of the Department of Public Safety and community members over the past year and to celebrate the University's 'unsung heroes.'"

The following awards were presented:

Longevity

Awarded to an individual for uninterrupted five-year terms of continuous service with DPS.

Five Years

Chief Raymond Hall
Comm. Ofc. Sara Groulx
Comm. Ofc. Stacia Bender

Fifteen Years

Sonja Overall

Ten Years

Security Ofc. Shenita Glover
Security Ofc. Gary Maurer
Gaye Stover

Twenty Years

Kathy Howe

Safe Driving Award

Presented to members of DPS who drive a University vehicle as part of their regular duties and have not been found responsible for a traffic or private property crash within the previous incremental five-year periods.

Five Years

Police Ofc. Todd Coles
Police Ofc. Steven Mayfield
Security Ofc. Gary Maurer
Security Ofc. Shenita Glover
Security Ofc. James Vogt
Security Officer Russell Taunt

Ten Years (2007 to present, not previously awarded)

Sgt. David Hunter
Sgt. Bruce Sepanak
Police Ofc. Mark Smith
Security Ofc. Russell Taunt
Security Ofc. Sonja Overall
Security Ofc. Philicia Allen

Letter of Commendation

Presented to persons assisting the DPS who would not be recognized in any of the other award categories, but went above and beyond the normal scope of their duties.

Sarah Christensen & Bill Dirk – DPS Little Free Library Project
Sara Groat & Alex Straley – Housing & Residential Life
Angie McChristian – Flint Urban Safety Corps.

Outstanding Public Service Award

Awarded for voluntary services that involved sacrifice to job or self while assisting the Department.

Terry LaFeldt & Dwayne Gidcumb – Facilities and Operations

Student Patrol Officer of the Year Award

Student Patrol Officer Jason Clark

Crime Prevention Award

Awarded to citizens for their contributions to the enhancement of crime or loss prevention thereby enhancing the safety and security of the Flint Campus Community.

Alpha Sigma Phi

Meritorious Service Citation

Awarded to an officer who, in the line of duty through diligence and perseverance, performs difficult tasks under unusual circumstances going beyond what is normally expected where a crime is prevented, life or property has been protected, or a criminal is apprehended.

Chief Raymond Hall & Security Officer Russell Taunt

Certificate of Commendation

Awarded to an officer who performs a service that is deemed both effective and unusually beneficial to the community or Department.

Comm. Ofc. Stacia Bender
Lt. Phillip Smith
Police Ofc. Mark Walker
Police Ofc. Mitchell Lipp
Student Ofc. Jason Clark
Comm. Ofc. Sara Groulx
Sgt. Bruce Sepanak
Police Ofc. Torrey Ruffin
Police Ofc. Eric Thompson
Security Specialist David Arnould

Unit Citation for Professional Excellence

Awarded to a group of personnel for performance, as a team, of a duty or assignment in a manner that is deemed highly effective, skillfully conducted, and of exceptional benefit to the community or Department.

Chief Raymond Hall
Det. Sgt. Jeffrey Fray
Police Ofc. Mitchell Lipp
Police Ofc. Mark Walker
Security Ofc. James Vogt
Lt. Phillip Smith
Sgt. Meoachy Proby
Police Ofc. Anthony Mata
Police Ofc. Bruce Andres
Security Specialist David Arnould

Professional Excellence Citation

Awarded to an individual for performance of a duty or assignment in a manner that is deemed highly effective, skillfully conducted and of exceptional benefit to the community or Department.