Duluth Police Honor Their Own

With Mayor Nancy Harris, new City Manager Tim Shearer and other Duluth officials in attendance, the Duluth Police Department conducted its annual Awards Luncheon Wednesday (Jan. 25) at the . Also present were local business owners and community leaders without whom this tradition would not continue to exist.

“Because of the generosity of this outstanding community,” said Duluth Chief of Police Randy Belcher, “we are able to have this event.” The awards luncheon was on the verge of being shelved three years ago when Anna Huthmaker launched a community fund-raising campaign to support it. This year $3,500 was raised to honor those who have served “above and beyond the call of duty” in the Duluth Police Department.

Uniformed police, supervisors, support personnel, and civilian employees were honored. Chief Belcher proudly presented commendations to honorees who performed in outstanding ways over the past year.

The luncheon began with a recitation of the “Policeman’s Prayer” by Jess Flowers followed by Chief Belcher’s expression of gratitude to the businesses, community leaders, and other citizens of Duluth for their contributions.

After lunch Huthmaker took the floor for a few minutes to remind the Police Department how valuable it is to the community. “I know that when you stop someone for speeding, they aren’t always nice,” she said, “but I want to let you know how grateful we all are that you’re here for us.”

Chief Belcher with Lt. Pete Bava acting as emcee then presented the awards. Among the honorees were:

• Officer Crystal Findura - Officer of the Year, Medal of Valor for Meritorious Service
• Officer Terry Stewart - Medal of Valor for Meritorious Service
• Lt. Jimmy Purvis - “Top Gun” Award (Marksmanship)
• Sgt. William Petty - Supervisor of the Year
• Tom Wallace - Civilian Employee of the Year

Other honorees included Lt. Jacquelyn Hood, Records Clerk Lea Elam, Lt. Chuck Wilson, Radio Operator Amber Snavely, Radio Operator Chris Quarles, Crime Scene Tech Jennifer Olds, and Detective Teria Russell.

Also honored were Officer Andy Brandenburg, Officer Donnie Diggs, Officer Joe Dang, Officer Ian Kopacz, Sgt. Shawn Hamlin, Capt. Mark Hunter, Det. Heather Kish, Det. Fran Foster, Det. Rick Thompson, Officer Rickey Porter, Officer Sharon Lee, Cpl. Scott Parrish, Sgt. Scott Smith, and Officer John Gladen.

The awards ceremony was followed by a drawing for a cruise. Civilian honoree Tom Wallace was the lucky winner.

Donors for this year's event included Mayor Harris, Duluth City Councilwoman Marsha Bomar, Councilman Billy Jones, Huthmaker Violins, Bill Head Funeral Home, Dennis Taylor and Co., Corporate Expressions, Georgia Brush Dynamics, New Dawn Theater Company, Carol Hitchcock, Ronald and Gay Shook, Ed Gulesserian, Lucille Walker, Jim and Terrie Adkins, Amy and Andy Clement, Sarah Black, Kathy Yam, Duluth Travel, TieDye 4, Best of Brews and the Duluth Fall Festival, many of whom were represented in the audience to show their gratitude to the police department.