Annual ceremony recognizes variety of roles
Chief Ryan with Parking Control Officer Willie Smith, Employee of the Year.
Chief Fred Ryan with Inspector Stephen Porciello, Officer of the Year.
Numerous members of the Arlington Police Department were recognized for their commitment and service during an achievement awards ceremony, Chief Frederick Ryan has announced.
Police gathered Thursday, Feb. 25, to recognize the Employee of the Year and Officer of the Year. Chief Ryan also presented an Excellence in Leadership award, Certificates of Commendation, Meritorious Service Ribbons and Life Saving Ribbons.
“I congratulate all officers who were honored for their hard work in 2015,” Chief Ryan said. “The Arlington Police Department is made up of top-notch officers and dispatchers that continuously go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the residents of this community.”
Parking Control Officer Willie Smith earned the Employee of the Year designation.
“You have been with the Arlington Police Department for over 10 years, and you have proven to be a confident and knowledgeable employee that has quickly become a vital member of the organization,” Ryan said at the event.
“You have shown that you can be relied upon to consistently do an outstanding job in the various aspects of your position. Supervisors have commended your ability to use common sense, maintain your composure, and stay focused in a variety of situations, ranging from a disputed parking ticket, to calling in various emergency situations you encounter during your shift.”
Inspector Stephen Porciello, the school resource officer, was named Officer of the Year.
“As an eight year veteran of the Arlington Police Department, with the last three of those years as a member of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, you have consistently displayed the highest quality of service while representing the department,” Ryan said. “You are a true asset to the department and the community. Congratulations on a job well done!”
Lt. Michael Sheehan received the Excellence in Leadership award, which is given to the employee who consistently serves as a role model by displaying exemplary leadership and positive attitude in his/her execution of the department’s values and mission statement.
“Lt. Sheehan should be commended for his faithful and conscientious performance of duty and his efforts to affirmatively promote and support the mission of the Arlington Police Department,” Ryan said.
Additionally, the ceremony included:
The Top Gun Award: Capt. Richard Flynn
Recognition of retirement: Officer Robert Gamez
Certificates of commendation:
• Officer Bryan White
• Inspector Chris Gallagher
• Inspector James Smith
• Officer John Kelley
• Officer John Costa
• Inspector Brian Fennelly
• Officer Steven Conroy
• Officer Robert Smith
• Sgt. Bryan Gallagher
• Officer Steven Conroy
• Officer Robert Smith
• Officer William Milner
Meritorious service ribbons:
• Sgt. Bryan Gallagher
• Officer Steven Conroy
• Officer William Milner
Life-saving ribbons:
• Dispatcher John R. Plourde
• Dispatcher Jason Pugliese
• Officer Dennis Mahoney
• Officer Robert Smith
• Officer Brett Blanciforti
• Officer Scott Paradis
• Officer Michael Hogan
• Officer Chadwick Brown
• Officer Anargyros Siempos
This news release was published Monday, Feb. 29, 2016.
