Employee and Public Award and Recognition Program

Awards and recognitions are used to publicly recognize and reward extraordinary, exceptional, meritorious, and conspicuously outstanding acts of heroism and merit, which are above and beyond those normally expected, and distinguish the individual or unit among those performing similar acts of service.  The City of Alcoa Police Department is committed to the recognition of police officers, civilian employees, and members of the public whose actions, conduct or service represent an exemplary contributions to the mission and core values of the agency or which reflect a high degree of professional excellence.  

In order to deliver quality police services, it is necessary to outline a method to reward and recognize employees and citizens for outstanding service to the community.  The Chief of Police appoints an Awards Committee of at least five department personnel who meet at least quarterly to provide timely review and disposition of award applications.

There are three officer award classes –

Class A Awards
  
Medal of Valor Award, Meritorious Service Award, Distinguished Service Award, Purple Heart Award, Life Saving Award, Department Commendation, Police Chief’s Citation for Community Service, Unit Award, Exemplary Service Award and Efficiency Service Award.        

Class B Awards

Academic Achievement Awards, Instructor Development, FBI National Academy, National Forensic Academy, Southern Police Institute, Northwestern University Staff and Command, Significant Specialized Advanced Police Training Ribbon

Class C Awards

Field Training Officer / Police Training Officer, School Resource Officer, DARE Officer, Hostage Negotiator, K-9 Handler, Motor Officer, Bicycle Officer, Firearms Instructor, Accident Reconstructionist, Accreditation Manager, Drug Recognition Expert

Additionally there are Miscellaneous Awards Recognitions, Special Awards and Local / Community Group Awards
 
Co-Worker of the Quarter – presented on a quarterly basis to employees who demonstrate exceptional and dedicated public service. 

Annual Employee Service Awards
 
Sworn Police Officer of the Year – presented on an annual basis to a sworn officer who has rendered exceptional service and whose character and integrity exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement.  The recipient of this award shall be a member who conducts his / her personal and professional life in a manner that is visibly consistent with the law enforcement code of ethics and the core values of the department.  This award may be awarded for exceptional acts of bravery.  This award is intended to recognize the overall best sworn law enforcement officer of the Department through actions demonstrated in the previous calendar year.                               


Civilian Employee of the Year Service Award – presented on an annual basis to a civilian employee who has rendered exceptional service and whose character and integrity exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement.  The recipient of this award shall be a member who conducts his / her personal and professional life in a manner this is visibly consistent with the law enforcement code of ethics and the core values of the department.  This award is intended to recognize the overall best civilian employee of the Department through actions demonstrated in the previous calendar year.     
                               

Supervisor of the Year Service Award – presented on an annual basis to a supervisor who has rendered exceptional service and whose character and integrity exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement.  The recipient of this award shall be a supervisor who conducts his / her personal and professional life in a manner that is visibly consistent with the law enforcement code of ethics and the core values of the department.  This award is intended to recognize the overall best supervisor of the Department through actions demonstrated in the previous calendar year.                                    

Co-Worker of the Year Award – presented to a member selected by the awards committee based upon the previous calendar years winner of the Co-Worker of the Quarter awards.  
                                  

Above and Beyond Service Award – presented to the member whose service on an off duty best reflects the vision, mission and core values of the agency and demonstrates a positive, professional and high work ethic that reflects favorably on the Alcoa Police Department.  This award could be awarded to a member for significant volunteer community service or one whose daily actions reflect an initiative to make the Alcoa Police Departments' vision a reality.