ASU Police Department honors those who make a difference
The Arizona State University Police Department recently paid tribute to those who have made a significant difference in the department and the community during their Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs Alonzo Jones thanked the police department for serving the university by ensuring safety while realizing that students are on a journey toward maturation and learning the skills that will take them into careers and adulthood during his keynote remarks.
“The higher education environment is very unique,” Jones said. “We value meeting young people and helping them come of age.”
Police personnel at ASU work in partnership with the university to support and guide students while helping ensure the security of the campus and its academic mission.
“Police employees provide outstanding service each day,” said John Pickens, ASU Police Department Chief of Police. “All of the department’s employees make a difference.”
Honored with multiple awards at the ceremony was Sgt. Lou Scichilone who was cited as Supervisor of the Year for his work on driving under the influence and youth alcohol enforcement, securing grants, helping implement new scheduling for personnel and aiding in policy changes. He was also named Supervisor of the Third Quarter and Supervisor of the Fourth Quarter.
Cpl. Juan “Carlos” Escudero was named Sworn Employee for 2011 for his role as special events coordinator who is tasked with handling high-profile events. He also explores low-cost training options, works patrol when needed and helps maintain vehicles. He was also named Sworn Employee of the Fourth Quarter.
Civilian Employee for 2011 was Police Aide Kevin Georgistso who attended Driver Instructor School and trained other employees. He also participated in the holiday food and toy drive and Shop With a Cop.
Other awards included:
• Police Aide Ron Swenson was named Civilian Employee of the Fourth Quarter for assisting with the holiday food and toy drive and working on the 911 system.
• Cpl. Ron Goode was honored as Sworn Employee of the Third Quarter, cited for his calm and professional manner in handling two highly charged calls for service.
• Police Aide Ashley Johnson-Brandstrom was named Civilian Employee of the Third Quarter for consistent assistance provided to fellow officers and police aides.
• Citizen Meritorious Citations were awarded to ASU Grounds Assistant Supervisor Ted Woods who serves as an extra set of eyes and ears for the police department and assists with many events. Deb Roepke, Coyote Crisis Collaborative executive director, was also honored for working with ASU on disaster drills, including an active shooter exercise.
• The Chief’s Citation was given to the The Arizona Department of Public Safety for their assistance that lead to the apprehension of several suspects related to iPhone robberies last year. Director Bobby Haliday accepted on behalf of DPS.
• ASU Director of Organizational Health and Development Jillian McManus studied a new scheduling option to assist police in assessing the physical and emotional impact of working longer hours. She was awarded a Chief’s Citation for her efforts in conducting the study and partnering with police on community outreach and education.
• Police Aide Earl Rosencrantz earned a Chief’s Citation for his work with Special Olympics, including taking a freezing, polar plunge with others every hour for 24 hours to raise money for the program.
• Sgt. Patrick Murphy was awarded a Chief’s Citation for being the driving force behind the holiday food and toy drive for more than 5 years.
• Team awards went to: part-time dispatchers who helped the department cover staffing shortages; the ASU Police Communication Center for working extra shifts and foregoing vacations to cover staffing; Criminal Investigations for handling highly sensitive cases; and the technology group for implementing new systems, ASU Alert and Advisory messaging, training enhancements and creating Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Shooting awards in master and expert categories were awarded.
• Education awards were presented to employees that have obtained an associate’s degree or higher.
• Longevity awards were given to employees that have been with the police department longer than 4 years, and with the university for more than 5 years.