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Recognition of citizen commendations from Commerce City Police Department
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Summary and Background Information:
The police department’s commendation board annually recognizes employees and residents who go above and beyond the call of duty to make our community safer. The department’s badge and honor ceremony held Jan. 22, is an annual event that presents letters of commendation and medals honoring individual employee service consistent with the department’s mission, vision and values. This evening, the department will recognize the citizens who have also made a difference in improving public safety with acts of courage.
Melicia Erin Nez & Andrey Jones
On Sept. 7, 2015, police officers responded to a homicide in the 4900 block of Sand Creek Drive South. At the outset of the investigation, the deceased was unidentified and the only established information was that the homicide had not occurred at the location the body was discovered. As the police department took to the airwaves seeking public assistance, these two residents stepped forward to provide information that ultimately lead to the discovery of the vehicle used to transport the body. Melicia and Andrey were driving to the park-n-Ride on Sept. 6 when they noticed a suspicious white minivan pulled off to the side of the road with the passenger doors wide open and the lights off. The vehicle wasn’t there when Melicia returned home and on Sept. 10 saw a news story on her Facebook feed that prompted her to share her story with police officers. On behalf of the Commerce City Police Department, we are extremely grateful they took the time and effort to come forward and report their observations. Their aid and direct testimony helped bring closure to the victim’s family and community at large.
Gary Newman, Scott Thompkins, & Herbert Jones
On Jan. 22, 2015, ADCOM received numerous calls of several people fighting in the streets of E. 104th Avenue and Havana Street. The investigation found that a male passenger had contracted with a private taxi driver for a ride from Denver International Airport to the City of Brighton. While driving west on 104th Avenue, the passenger asked the driver where he was from and his religious affiliation, the passenger moved to the driver side and wrapped his cell phone charger around the driver’s neck, accusing him of being a terrorist and stating he would kill him. Fearing for his life and unable to breathe, the driver stopped the car and began screaming for help.
Hubert Jones witnessed the incident and called 911, remaining on the line and on scene to provide pertinent information for responding officers. Gary Newman and Scott Thompkins were driving in the area, saw the altercation and heard the cries for help. Without hesitation and regard for their safety, exited their vehicle and subdued the male passenger until police arrived. It is rare for individuals to become involved in these situations, especially placing their own safety aside to help another. Without the actions of these individuals, the situation could have deteriorated and resulted in more serious injuries or even death.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Interim Director of External Affairs Michelle Halstead
Staff Member Presenting: Interim Police Chief Lowell Richardson
Financial Impact: $0
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Following a brief presentation, city council members will have the opportunity to personally thank citizens for their service and take a photo.
Suggested Motion: N/A