The Port of Portland Police Department recently held its annual awards ceremony to recognize exceptional performance and outstanding contributions to the department or community by both employees and citizens. Join us in congratulating the award recipients and celebrating their notable accomplishments.
Community Partnership Award
This award is presented to people, businesses or organizations who worked in partnership with the Port Police to provide outstanding service on a project or over an extended period.
Michael McConnell won for his work with police vehicles, going above and beyond to ensure decoy cars are functional, clean and effective.
Vawn McCollum, Inici Group, won for her efforts to coordinate the department’s move from their former offices at PDX to their new space in the Rental Car Center.
Chief’s Commendation
The Chief’s Commendation is given to Port Police employees who distinguish themselves with a special accomplishment that’s significant to the operational success of the department.
A Chief’s Commendation went to the explosive detection K9 team, whose rigorous training, perfect evaluation and excellent collaboration contribute to their crucial role in keeping PDX safe and secure.
Team members are Sergeant Jeff Galloway and K9 Ali, Officer Charlie Berry and K9 Jacky, Officer Joel Buchanan and K9 Aron, Detective TJ Eriksen and K9 Moko, Officer Rema Gossman and K9 Mine, Officer Ramiro Martinez and K9 Shadow, Officer Greg Stevens and K9 Falco, and Detective Kevin Jones and K9 Blaze.
Chief’s Commendations also went to:
Detective Mathew Fromme, for his important role representing the department on the PDX Task Force, a Portland area regional organized crime and drug task force.
Sergeant Lance Hemsworth, who formed and supervised the PDX Task Force. His unique ability to maintain, organize and lead, directly contributed to the seizures of millions of dollars in suspected proceeds of criminal activity, including US currency, firearms, high end jewelry, luxury vehicles, arts and antiquities…and most notably, a yacht.
Detective Steven Mitchell, who worked diligently on multiple investigations, including one where his outstanding performance of duty contributed to a successful indictment.
Officer Steve Maracle, who assisted with the Port Police office move, taking initiative, packing efficiently, creating a user-friendly space and doing so with professionalism and pride.
Lifesaving Award
The Lifesaving Award is given to an employee who is directly responsible for saving a human life by rendering aid or taking swift and skilled actions.
Called to a welfare check, Detective Cassie Hartless and Officer Anthony Byrd responded swiftly with expert care and compassion. As a direct result of their actions and judgement in this stressful situation, the person received life-saving treatment.
Officer of the Year
The Officer of the Year award is given to a commissioned law enforcement officer who consistently performed outstanding service to the department, citizens and community throughout the calendar year.
Officer Erin Flinn demonstrated her service and leadership to the department by serving as acting sergeant more than 60 times throughout 2021. Officer Flinn balanced the challenges of acting sergeant, assisting with call loads and providing support when needed. As an acting sergeant, Officer Flinn supported her team by ensuring they received recognition for their great work.
Staff Member of the Year
The Staff Member of Year award is given to a non-sworn employee who consistently performed outstanding service to the department, citizens and community throughout the calendar year.
Traci Stannard worked tirelessly to support the department, coordinating the set up of the evidence processing area in the new Port Police offices, adding to her responsibilities, filling in gaps due to a vacancy and becoming proficient with the body-worn camera program, contributing to the success of the training.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Unit Citation Award Presentation
The past two years were especially challenging times for law enforcement professionals. While these awards are the result of actions during that time, it is important to we take a moment and recognize the actions of all those who stood at the frontlines, faced turmoil and worked hard to protect everyone – no matter their beliefs or position.
Officer David Allison, Officer Skip Baker, Officer Jacob Cassity, Sergeant Lance Hemsworth, Sergeant Jeremy Hepp, Officer Ramiro Martinez, Detective Steve Mitchell were honored for their exceptional courage and quick, coordinated response to protect others and ensure their safety on May 29, 2020, and June 2, 2020, during protest activities.
