Westminster Police Present 2011 Employee Awards

The recently honored several employees for their service to the citizens of Westminster during 2011.

The following individuals were recognized:

Chief’s Commendation

• Captain Pete D’Antuono
• Lieutenant Tony Ott
• Corporal Jesse Clagett
• D/Corporal Jeff Schuster
• PFC Michael Beaumont
• PFC Rick Lambert
• SCORE Member Deb Pujals‐Keyser

Community Service Award

• PFC Steven Launchi

Law Enforcement Challenge Program

• Top Enforcement Squad – Squad 4 (Lt. Doug Johnston)
• Top DUI Enforcement – PFC Michael Beaumont
• Top Total Enforcement – PFC Michael Beaumont

Volunteer of the Year

The Westminster Police Department has selected SCORE Lieutenant Kenneth Carlisle as the Volunteer of the Year.  Kenny is not only a member of the SCORE program with the Police Department, he is also the elected Chief of the Westminster Fire Police.  This is all in addition to a full time job.

Over the past year Kenny has assisted with traffic direction for motor vehicle collisions, disabled vehicles or signal outages.  He responds on a moment’s notice and is able to gather the other members of the Fire police to assist.  He volunteers at Fall Fest, Miracle on Main Street and the Flower and Jazz Festival. 

Last year a Crossing Guard resigned and he filled in during the morning hours to fill the void.  Kenny is also a regular at our “Shop With a Cop” events and is always supportive of the Westminster Police Department programs. 

Civilian of the Year

This year the Westminster Police Department awarded the Civilian of the Year Award to Ms. Mary Jo Gaff.  Ms. Gaff is the Property Room Specialist.  She is responsible for the logging of and custody of property seized by members of the department as well as procuring uniforms for the officers, scheduling vehicle maintenance, transporting evidence to laboratories.  She is solely responsible for outfitting new officers with all of the necessary equipment they will need for the road.  She adjusts her hours to meet the needs of the officers and of the community.  She also participated in the Shop with a Cop program as well and the Special Olympics. 

Police Officer of the Year

Corporal Radcliffe Darby was chosen as the Police Officer of the Year for 2011.  Cpl. Darby has been a member of the police department since July of 1999.  Last year he handled over 700 calls for service, made 600 traffic contacts and affected over 100 criminal arrests.  He is the primary firearms instructor for the Westminster Police Department and is also the Department’s representative for the Honor Guard.  Cpl. Darby is also one of our Field training officers, responsible for training new officers that are hired by Westminster Police Department.  Cpl. Darby is an active participant in “Shop With A Cop”  as well as Special Olympics.  He is a well rounded police officer who whole heartedly subscribes to community policing.  He has become one of our “go-to” officers to resolve difficult investigations or community problems. 

Information in this article was taken from a Westminster City Police news release.