Officers of the Month 2010
January: Officer Vince Lovejoy
February: Officer Robyn Stone
March: Officers Tom McIntosh and Cris Kelly
April: Officer Chris Alfrey
May: Officer Chris Alfrey
June: Officer Jim Griffith
July: Officer Jason Deaton
August: Officer Robyn Stone
September: Officer Earl Nelson
October: Officer Cris Kelly
November: Officer Jamie Wilcox
December: Officer Kristina Hughes
MIDDLETOWN — Det. David Swartzel was named Middletown Police Officer of the year during an annual awards ceremony Thursday night.
The award is only the second to be given by the police department. Maj. David VanArsdale, who will become the new police chief Saturday, said Swartzel “exemplifies the characteristics that make (this) organization great.”
“Your work ethic and ability to get the job done has set a high standard for officers to follow in the future,” VanArsdale said.
As a 25-year police department veteran, Swartzel has investigated numerous high-profile cases making it “impossible to just pick one” that stands out, VanArsdale said.
The three latest homicides cases he worked led to arrests.
Swartzel said the patrol officers and other detectives contribute largely to his success.
“I am shocked but this really belongs to the whole group, especially the (detectives) section because we work together,” he said. “No one person could do the stuff that we do.”
Also honored were Candi Stultz, who was named Corrections Officer of the Year, and Paula MacDonald, who was named Dispatcher of the Year.
Officer Chris Alfrey received the Meritorious Service Award for acts of heroism “above and beyond” the call of duty. The award was given for his quick actions that helped save the lives of two firefighters May 7, 2010.
Officer Jason Deaton received the Police Heart Award. During a traffic stop for a hit-skip crash, Deaton sustained serious injuries as the suspect, Eric German, fought during his arrest. VanArsdale said Deaton was “able to stay on his feet and remain in control” until back-up arrived.
Vice Mayor Bill Becker and City Manager Judy Gilleland presented a proclamation naming May 19, 2011 as Gregory J. Schwarber Day in honor of the police chief, who is retiring today. Schwarber has severed on the Middletown police force since November 1980.
Schwarber said he was “without words” after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd of police department staff and retirees.
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