Waynesboro PD honors officers for jobs well done

The Waynesboro Police Department held its fourth-quarter awards presentation on Thursday. Police Chief Michael D. Wilhelm presented 6 awards, including naming Sgt. David F. Shaw the 2011 Officer of the Year.

Shaw was honored for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the department throughout the year. Most notably, Shaw completely revamped the department’s Field Training Program for new officers and also assisted the reserve unit with revamping their training. In addition, he consistently performed his duties as a detective supervisor and later patrol shift commander in an exemplary fashion.

Three of the awards represent a long standing policy of recognizing officers each year who make significant contributions to the department’s traffic safety initiatives through Speed, Seatbelt and DUI enforcement.

– Officer Amanda Hesson was presented the Departmental Commendation for her exceptional efforts in speed enforcement in 2011.

– Officer Andrew DeShong was presented the Departmental Commendation for exceptional efforts in seatbelt enforcement in 2011.

– Officer Robert Dean was presented the Departmental Commendation for his exceptional efforts in DUI enforcement in 2011.

Additional commendations included:

– Desk clerks Betsy Early and Kathy Grohs were each presented Departmental Commendations for exceptional performance in acquiring General and Specialty Instructor Certifications in a critical training area.

– Animal Control Officer Darlene Price was presented the Department’s Distinguished Service Medal for exceptional performance and dedication during her continued  tenure as animal-control officer by City Manager Michael G Hamp II. Specifically, she was recognized for her untiring efforts and critical expertise during the transition from the SPCA to the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center. Additionally her dedication to the profession of animal control has been recognized by her peers in the field even beyond Waynesboro. Last summer she was honored by the Virginia Animal Control Association who presented her with their Public Service Award. She was also appointed to a leadership position on that organization’s Board of Directors.