Police Chief Diron Hill welcomed friends and family of our local police department to the 2011 Italy PD awards banquet on Saturday night. Several commendations were given and Officer Eric Tolliver was awarded Officer of the Year. Sue Lauhoff was honored as Civilian Employee of the Year.

Chief Diron Hill opened the local awards banquet with a warm welcome. He introduced special guests, Terri and Luke Murdock, Dennis Perkins, Bruce Utley, Greg and Elaine Richards and James and Joyce Hobbs. “About six months ago, I came into the Italy Police Department not knowing what to expect. I was embarking on a new career after 18 years of working as a police officer, I became a chief. However, it didn’t take long for me to know what kind of dedicated and loyal officers I had to work with,” Hill explained.

Chief Hill showed a slide show to clarify “Who we are and what we do”. Chief Hill has a recognition program in place now so the police officers will be awarded for the extra credits they achieve.

AWARDS RECEIVED:

Eric Tolliver

Officer of the Year
Firearms Instructor/Range Master
Field Training Officer
Police Commendation
“This officer has made a long lasting contribution to this department. He has great attributes, such as integrity, honesty, perseverance, patience and is always professional and fair. This officer can be counted on for reliable guidance and support to other officers. He has maintained a high level of service throughout the year and is one of the most proactive officers,” explained Chief Hill. Officer Tolliver went to Tarrant Community College and studied firearms training. “He has 40 hours as an instructor and also a Range Master,” Chief Hill said.

Sue Lauhoff

Civilian Employee of the Year
Community Service-For exceptional service to the community by organizing, planning and successfully implementing the 2011 National Night Out in Italy on October 4, 2011.
Honorable Service-For providing five honorable years of service with the Italy Police Department.

Tierra Mooney & Officer Kilo

Meritorius Conduct-For demonstrating dedication and professionalism while acting as the department’s K9 officer and drug detection canine. You have brought credit to the department for your selfless dedication to duty by successfully detecting illegal contraband. As a team, you have located a substantial amount of drugs and money and have made a difference in reducing drug trafficking through our community. You have also helped many agencies at a moment’s notice.
Community Service-For dedication to the community by organizing, planning and implementing for the first time, “Shop with a Cop” program. Credit has been brought to this police department and the City of Italy because of your actions and caring attitude.
Field Training Officer

Jason Bentley

Police Commendation-For dedication and commitment in serving the City of Italy by providing volunteer service with the police department.

Mike Richardson

Police Commendation-For dedication and commitment to the Italy Police Department. You have dedicated yourself at a moment’s notice while volunteering as a reserve officer.

Perry Kaemmerling

Police Commendation-For exceptional service to the Italy Police Department by keeping the community safe by making a substantial amount of felony arrests throughout the year and for dedication to keeping the equipment in good repair.

Daniel Pitts

Police Commendation-For dedication and commitment to providing an exceptional service by making a substantial amount of DWI arrests, felony arrests and effective traffic enforcement. Chief Hill said, “We have safe roads in Italy. There has only been one fatality in the last 6 months.”
Community Service-For dedication to the community by organizing, planning and implementing for the first time, “Shop with a Cop” program. This officer has brought credit to this department and the City of Italy because of actions and caring attitude.

Shelbee Landon

Police Commendation-For dedication to duty and for providing an exceptional service to the citizens of this community. For bringing credit to the Italy Police Department and the City of Italy because of hard work. “It was a great day when we hired Officer Landon. She does everything expected of her and has a wonderful demeanor and high level of professionalism,” Hill explained.
Community Service-For exceptional service to the community by organizing, planning and successfully implementing the 2011 National Night Out in Italy on October 4, 2011.

Chief Hill said, “I am pleased to be the Police Chief of Italy. I love it here—it is everything I expected and more. I have a great set of dedicated officers who will do anything for anybody and have high level of integrity and character. I don’t have to worry when I go home at night,”

These officers put their lives on the line every time they go to work. When you see the Italy police, and you will because they are out working, shake their hand and thank them for keeping our city safe.