Olympia Police Department honors employees for their service

The Olympia Police Department has honored 17 employees for their service during the past year.

Honorees were recognized Friday (May 20) for their work on long-term projects, their life-saving efforts and their leadership skills.

Lt. Paul Lower said that patrol Officer George Clark was voted officer of the year by his colleagues after he became the go-to person for some of the more technical aspects of policing. He spent much of the past year working to solve problems in some of Olympia’s neighborhoods, and in the process became an expert in applying for search warrants.

Clark also has worked to forge a connection with the community, Lower said.

“He has been an outstanding officer for us,” Lower said. “And it’s a big deal that he was recognized for that by his peers.”

Three officers were presented with life-saving awards. Patrol Sgt. Matt Renschler saved a stabbing victim in downtown Olympia by applying a tourniquet. Patrol Officer Nicole Glenn performed CPR on a man who overdosed on heroin in a restaurant bathroom. Corrections Officer Philip Arias prevented a man from committing suicide in the Olympia City Jail.

Chief Ronnie Roberts selected another four officers to receive chief’s commendation awards. Corrections Sgt. Ren Emerson was honored for her work as the department’s LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) liaison, and her efforts with the related Safe Olympia program. Patrol Officer Javier Sola Del Vigo has spent much of the past year opening the lines of communication with the downtown community, and establishing ties with the Latino community. Patrol Sgt. Dan Smith was recognized for his leadership in the department.

“(Smith) is the type of supervisor that we all want to have,” Lower said.

Here are all the award winners:

Officer of the Year: Patrol Officer George Clark

Employee of the Year: Lonnie Griffin

Distinguished Service Award: K9 Officer Randy Wilson (and Melnic, the K-9)

Life Saving Awards: Corrections Officer Philip Arias; Patrol Officer Nicole Glenn; Patrol Sergeant Renschler

Inspirational Partner Award: Corrections Officer Jaymey Holmes; Patrol Officer Bryan Houser; Patrol Sergeant Matt Renschler

Special Commendation Awards: Program Specialist Rachel Ashton; Corrections Officer Les Duncan; Patrol Officer Aaron Ficek; Patrol Officer Josh Marcuson

Chief’s Special Commendation Awards: Corrections Sergeant Ren Emerson; Patrol Officer Shelby Nutter; Patrol Sergeant Dan Smith; Patrol Officer Javier Sola Del Vigo

This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Olympia Police Department honors employees for their service."