Dunwoody Announces Police Achievement Awards

DUNWOODY, GA -- The Dunwoody Police Department has released its 2018 achievement awards. “Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to the citizens in our community and our award recipients reflect that dedication. Every call is important to us and every incident is a priority,”said Chief Billy Grogan.

The department recently recognized 14 members of the department and one volunteer for their outstanding achievements in 2018.

OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2018 -- Officer Bryan Castellanos, who distinguished himself throughout 2018 in the areas of productivity, volunteerism, teamwork, strong work ethic, and dependability. Castellanos made a significant arrest in July 2018, when he initiated contact with a group of suspected shoplifters at Target. Immediately after making contact, the suspect rammed the officer’s vehicle and fled the parking lot. The suspects led Castellanos on a vehicle pursuit into adjoining jurisdictions. The suspects were taken into custody without harm to themselves or anyone else. Further investigation into these suspects revealed that they were involved in a multi-state shoplifting ring and responsible for the theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise from multiple department stores.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2018 Crime Scene Technician Sybil Warner. Warner has processed hundreds of crime scenes for detectives and officers and has conducted countless AFIS searches on latent prints recovered from vehicles and other property. She’s had numerous AFIS positive returns where suspects have been identified. In addition to her regular responsibilities, this outstanding civilian has consistently volunteered her time and expertise for a number of Community Outreach efforts such as the Citizens’ Police Academy, The Griffin Project, Truck or Treat, and Cops on Donut Shops, just to name a few.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2018 Bailiff and Citizen on Patrol Jim Sturgis. Sturgis is a former member of the Dunwoody Citizen's Police Task Force and has also served as a volunteer Bailiff since the Dunwoody Municipal Court opened its doors in February 2009, and is one of the inaugural members of the Dunwoody Police Department’s Citizens on Patrol team. During 2018, Sturgis dedicated a total of 471 hours of service to the city. He contributed countless hours assisting with The Griffin Project’s school visits; distributed hundreds of Child ID kits to parents at City events; and participated in many other acts of service to our City throughout the year.

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR 2018 Officer Bryan Castellanos

MARKSMAN OF THE YEAR 2018 Chief of Police Billy Grogan

TOP COP COMPETITION WINNER 2018 Sergeant Patrick Krieg

MEDAL OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE – LIFE SAVING 2018. The Medal of Meritorious Service is awarded to an officer for outstanding performance during a lifesaving event. There were five recipients of this award for 2018.

Officer Roger Halstead
On a summer evening in 2018, Halstead responded to the parking lot of Perimeter Mall in regards to a young child who was unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival, Halstead observed vomit on the pavement between the parked vehicles and the child laying on the ground. The child was lifeless and no signs of breathing were detected. Halstead immediately attached an AED to the patient, which advised “No Shock”, so he began administering CPR. In the midst of chest compressions, Halstead rolled the child onto her side to clear her airway of mucus/blood/vomit. DeKalb Fire and AMR responded to the scene and took over life-support care, transporting the child to a hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery and survived. This child is alive today because of Halstead’s quick actions and life-saving skills.

Officer Ethan Taffar, Officer Olajide Yakubu, Sergeant Michael Cheek
On a December evening in 2018, several officers were dispatched to a medical call at a residence in Dunwoody. Upon arrival, the officers found a male on the ground, not breathing and unconscious. A quick assessment of the patient determined he needed CPR. One officer immediately began chest compressions while another officer applied an AED. The AED advised “No Shock”, so the two Officers began taking turns with chest compressions, during which time the patient’s friend notified the officers that he had just “shot up heroin.” Upon this discovery, an injection of NARCAN was administered by the Sergeant on-scene. Moments later, DeKalb Fire and EMS arrived on scene and took over care of the patient. Officers continued to assist medical personnel with CPR after their arrival. The patient was able to be revived and left for St. Joseph’s Hospital alert, conscious and breathing.

Officer Juan Lopez
On a summer evening in 2018, Lopez responded to a Dunwoody residence in reference to a medical call regarding an unresponsive child. Lopez arrived on scene and quickly attended to the child after realizing something was wrong. He began life-saving measures by giving chest compressions, to which the child quickly responded to. He continued with sternum rubs and other stimulus to keep the child awake until fire rescue could arrive on scene and take control of the patient’s care. Lopez’s sergeant met with the parents of the child, who told him that when Officer Lopez arrived, their child was not breathing, had no color and was starting to turn purple. They credited Lopez for saving their child’s life with his quick life-saving actions and deemed him a “hero.”

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Images Dunwoody Police