The Des Moines Police Foundation held their second Annual Awards Banquet on January 20, 2017 recognizing some very worthy individuals for their hard work and dedicated in 2016.  The Banquet & Auction was very successful bringing in $8,500 to the Foundation's General Fund.  The following awards were presented: Des Moines PD Investigative Unit received the 2016 Chief's Award for their hard work and superior performance throughout 2016.  Community Service Officers Tonya Seaberry & Kory Batterman received the Officer of the Year Award for their flexibility and commitment to the City as their positions absorbed the duties of Code Enforcement as well as their typical duties.  Detective Sergeant Dave Mohr received the Excellence in Leadership Award for serving as a role model for his team and leading them through a difficult and demanding year.  Evidence Specialist Catherine Agnew received the Civilian of the Year Award recognizing her diligence in the work assigned, and her positive can do attitude.  Police Volunteer Susan Corey received the volunteer of the year award for her unwavering support of the Police Department through her weekly volunteer service and caring devotion to the staff of the Des Moines Police Department.  Sergeant Savage, as well as MPOs West and Oak received the Department's Life Saving Award for an act of bravery that saved the life of a 16 year old boy who was at risk of drowning off the dock of the Des Moines Marina.  Ms. Sophie Rock and Ms. Ginger Lotulelei received the Community Star Award recognizing their work towards improving the quality of lives in our community and promoting public safety.  

 

There were also two special donation presentations.  The first being from King County Councilmember Daveupthegrove.  Councilmember Upthegrove spoke about his support of the Des Moines Police Department, and also about the inspiration he found when learning about a fundraiser held by two young girls this Summer.  Councilmember Upthegrove advised that it is because of this inspiration that on behalf of the King County Council he was able to present a check in the amount of $2,500 to help match the funds raised in the 2016 Lemonade Stand Fundraiser run by Natalie and Lilah Nutting, benefiting the Des Moines Police Foundation's Shop With a Cop Program.  

​

The send check presentation was from two citizens from the Huntington Park Community, Mrs. Brenda Blair and Mr. Pat Nardo who helped to rally their neighbors in a fundraiser that has since been named "Project Safety Gear".  Over the course of a few months, they raised funds within the Huntington Park Community and raised $3,000 to be used towards the purchase of heavy plated vests, which will provide our officers with an additional layer of protection.

​

We also wanted to make a special shout-out to the Des Moines Beach Park Event Center.  Thank you so much for allowing us to use your gorgeous facility.  We received many compliment about how nice it was and how well this time of event fit into the space.