Windermere Police Department Annual Awards
Please join me in congratulating our Officers who received awards or promotions last night during Town Council. I am proud of the men and women of the Windermere Police Department and they are doing a fantastic job! Here are some of the highlights:
Reserve Officer John Alcalde was promoted to Reserve Sergeant. Sgt Alcalde has done an outstanding job supervising the Reserve Unit who dedicated over 1600 hours of service to the Town of Windermere in 2019. Sgt. Alcalde handles all the administrative duties of the Reserve Unit, is at nearly all of our community events, and is often seen working patrol each weekend during the evening. Our Reserves to this without pay and as a service to our community.
SRO Carlos Hernandez received 2019 Officer of the year for his outstanding work and dedication to the Windermere Elementary School. After new state laws were enacted SRO Hernandez jumped right into the SRO position, providing training, oversight, threat assessments, ensured we were meeting all the new regulations and most importantly is beloved at the school by teachers and students who attend. Carlos can be seen with Principal Greer and Staff in this photo who attended the award ceremony.
Administrative Assistant & Auxiliary Reserve Officer Lori Sipek received the Community Service award. Officer Lori Sipek embracers the spirit of volunteerism and supports countless Town & Police functions throughout the year. She regularly supports special events that enhance the overall level of service we provide to the community. Projects such as, National Night Out, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Drug Takeback Program, Annual Shop with a Cop, Cookies & Cops, WPD Foundation events, giving police tours for groups and so much more could not be done without her willingness to be involved with the community.
Officer Griffin Hebel received a Certificate of Appreciation. Officer Griffin has earned a reputation as a tenacious worker and is always leading his squad in overall productivity. He has a strong desire to work traffic enforcement and keeps roadways and citizens safe. There are very few shifts that will pass without Officer Hebel removing dangerous illicit drugs from our Town, and/or stopping dangerous drivers under the influence of alcohol. Officer Hebel is always eager to step up and help when needed and volunteer for assignments and duties.