The Folsom Police Department held its annual Awards and Promotion Ceremony on April 30, recognizing a wide array of outstanding service, bravery, and community contributions by its officers, staff, and dedicated volunteers. Held with formality and pride, the event celebrated the accomplishments of department personnel during the 2023–2024 service year issuing promotions and honoring those who “exemplify the department’s mission.”
The ceremony was hosted by Lieutenant Lou Wright and opened with the Folsom Police Department Honor Guard’s posting of the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a stirring performance of the national anthem by Jessica Visconti. Pastor Ron Perry delivered the invocation, and Police Chief Rick Hillman offered opening remarks, expressing his deep appreciation for the department’s tireless dedication and resilience.
Among the highlights of the evening were several well-deserved promotions. Four officers were promoted to the rank ofCorporal:Melissa White,Justin Cain,Matthew Schmidt, andShawn Willey. Advancing to the rank ofSergeantwereDerek Koupal,Jeffrey Hedgepeth, andPatrick Thibeault. The department also recognized newLieutenants:John WagnerandJeana Marendt, whose leadership will help guide Folsom’s public safety efforts in the years ahead.
Several awards honored individual and group efforts across a range of service areas. TheOutstanding Trainer of the Yearaward went toJarus PerezandMichael Austinfor their commitment to advancing department-wide skills and readiness.
TheCitizen Awardwas presented to CAPS (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) volunteersNorton Eastment,Darrin Simmons,Gary Bakulich, andRod Turner, whose behind-the-scenes contributions have helped strengthen the relationship between the department and the public it serves.
Officers who carried out remarkable investigations were honored with theExceptional Investigation Award, includingMorgan Sears,Melissa White,Gavin Plank, andPatrick Thibeault.
Tyler Fordhamreceived thePolice Citation Awardfor commendable action in the line of duty.
TheCommunity Policing AwardrecognizedSergey Chernyavskiy,Valentin Zazhitskiy, andDaren Prociwfor their impactful engagement with local residents and proactive service.
Several officers and detectives earned theUnit Citation Awardfor collaborative excellence, includingJarus Perez,Melissa White,Justin Cain,Morgan Sears,Brandon Monsoor,Zachary Wells,Austin Alvarez,Arthur Brown,Rickey Jones, andMichael Grueneberg.
Honorees of theLife Saving AwardwereJosh Sena,Paul Rice,Zachary Wells, andJarus Perez, recognized for their decisive actions that directly saved lives.
TheDistinguished Service Awardwent toDavid Canepa,Brandon Monsoor,Andrew Graham,William Maslak, andRickey Jones, acknowledging long-term service and sustained excellence.
TheMerit-Emergency Award, granted for exemplary performance under emergency conditions, was awarded toTajghi Robertson,Sergey Chernyavskiy,Austin Vail,Michael Austin,Andrew Graham, andWilliam Maslak.
The event was supported by the Folsom Police Foundation and Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS), whose ongoing partnerships help,”elevate the work of the department and ensure that officers have the resources and recognition they deserve.”
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