By Brent Whiting, The Arizona Republic
It was the Academy Awards night, of sorts, as the Peoria, Ariz. Police Department announced its “Oscar” winners for 2003, including Officer of the Year.
The presentations were offered last week during a recognition ceremony at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.
Officer Danna Freeman, an eight-year member of the Peoria force, was named Officer of the Year for what officials described as several accomplishments during the year.
Freeman, among other things, used her skills in seizing 188 pounds of marijuana and recovering a rifle used in a drive-by shooting. Also, she served as a model officer and mentor for police rookies.
Jay Davies, who directs the department’s Community Services Section, was named Supervisor of the Year.
Davies, described as a motivator, mentor, teacher and a leader, helped oversee the department’s volunteer, neighborhood-mediation and victim-assistance programs.
Deanna McGhee, who manages the department’s ride-along and other public-oriented programs, was selected as Civilian of the Year.
McGhee also was cited for extensive work that was needed to manage a work program that allowed officers to moonlight for more than 8,000 hours at off-duty job sites.
Mark Fisk, who has spent two years as a volunteer worker at both the department and the library, was picked as Volunteer of the Year.
Police said Fisk performed a number of vital clerical duties, undertaking each task with enthusiasm and working hard until the job was completed.