Los Alamos Police Department staff at their annual awards banquet, from left, Det. Matt Lyon, Det. Ryan Wolking, Sgt Daniel Roberts, Sgt. Chris Ross, Det. Sgt. James Rodriguez, Cpl. James Keane and Chief Dino Sgambellone. Photo by Kateri Morris​

Los Alamos Alamos Police Cpl. Adele McKenze who is the school resource officer for Los Alamos High School receives the Officer of the Year Award from Chief Dino Sgambellone. Courtesy photo

LAPD News

The Los Alamos Police Department has announced the names of those who received awards during its annual banquet honoring employees for their outstanding performance, dedication to their profession and service to their community.

“It is important the recognize our employees for going above and beyond what is expected of them during day to day operations,” Police Chief Dino Sgambellone said.

Fifty four awards were presented recognizing employees for outstanding customer service and initiative. Recognition was given for such achievements as intercepting contraband before it enters the Los Alamos Detention Center, making the national accreditation process for the Department a success and saving a life as well as numerous other awards for community and administrative achievements.

Sgt. Tim Lonz, Cpl. Jay Eakins and Cpl.Ben Hinrichs were each presented with the Medal of Merit for their bravery and compassion while responding to a tragic hiking accident. Cpl. James Keane received a Life Saving Award for assisting in a medical episode.

Additionally, the following employees were recognized as Employees of the Year for their respective sections:

Civilian of Year: Consolidated Dispatch Manager Kate Stoddard

Dispatcher of the Year: Anthony Cardena

Detective of the Year: Ryan Wolking

Officer of the Year: Cpl. Adele McKenzie

Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Chris Ross

In announcing the awards, Cmdr. Preston Ballew said LAPD employees are proud to serve the community.

“We will continue to honor our commitment to those we serve through exceptional performance,” he said.

​Los Alamos Police Police Department Command Staff at the annual awards banquet are, from left, Cmdr. Preston Ballew, Chief Dino Sgambellone and Cmdr. Oliver Morris. Photo by Kateri Morris

Consolidated Dispatch Manager Kate Stoddard receives the Civilian of the Year Award from Chief Dino Sgambellone. Photo by Kateri Morris

​Los Alamos Police Det. Ryan Wolking, left, receives the Detective of the Year Award from Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone. Photo by Kateri Morris

Los Alamos Police Cpl. Jay Eakins, left, Chief Dino Sgambellone and Sgt.Tim Lonz after Eakins and Lonz were each presented with a Medal of Merit Award. Courtesy photo

Los Alamos Police Department Community Liaison Team Sgt.Chris Ross, left, receives the LAPD Supervisor of the Year Award from Chief Dino Sgambellone. Photo by Kateri Morris

​\Los Alamos Police Cpl. James Keane, left, receives a Life Saving Commendation from Chief Dino Sgambellone. Photo by Kateri Morris