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The police department’s annual awards were presented during a dinner party provided by the Citizens Police Academy Alumni . Members of the department and retirees were treated to a traditional holiday meal which was held at the Lamar Avenue Church of Christ. The CPA conducts various fund raisers throughout the year to support the police department and provide this dinner party.
Members of the department nominate and vote for personnel in four different award categories.
Officer Forrest Bigler and Officer Jeff Padier tied for the officer of the year award.
Officer Bigler has been with the department for seven years and serves in the patrol division. He is a Field Training Officer and SWAT Team member. Officer Bigler served in the Marines prior to his joining the department.
Officer Padier has been with the department for five years and serves in the patrol division. He is a Field Training Officer and the department’s canine officer. His partner, Cupa, also received a vote in the selection process. Officer Padier served in the Marines prior to his joining the department.
Officer Brandon Langehennig was selected as the Rookie of the Year. Officer Langehennig attended the East Texas Police Academy Basic Peace Officer course #294 in Texarkana from March 30, 2015, thru July 31, 2015. Officer Langehennig graduated as Valedictorian of that class.
Alice Webb received the Civilian Employee of the year honors. Ms. Webb has been working with the departments records division for 33 years. Ms. Webb was selected for this honor in 2010 as well.
Captain Terry Bull won the top firearms qualification by shooting a perfect score at the last firearms qualification.
Cindy Ringwald was honored by the CPA Alumni Association with the volunteer of the year award. Ms. Ringwald works many hours with the association and the Citizens on Patrol group. She is employed with the Liberty National Bank.
“The recipients of these awards are very special as they are chosen by their peers. When the people you work with daily think a lot of you and your work product, that speaks volumes. We are blessed with a department of officers and employees who care about our community and care about providing professional service.” – Police Chief Bob Hundley