Milton residents gathered in the Activity Center Jan. 17 to recognize the achievements of the police department in a night filled with the comic stylings of "Almost Live" alum John Keister. (Photos Courtesy of Deborah Berglund)
A little snow and ice could not keep Milton residents from showing their support for the police department during an annual benefit dinner Jan. 17. Featuring entertainment by “Almost Live” alum John Keister, the event is helping to raise funds for the Milton Police Foundation in its goal to supplement the city’s criminal justice budget. Each year, the department creates a “wish list” of sorts, outlining equipment and programs that could be helpful for officers, but that the city cannot provide through taxpayer dollars.
This year, the foundation hopes to help purchase a SmartCam system to assist officers in identifying, capturing and prosecuting offenders for burglaries, robberies, assaults and other crimes committed throughout the city. The $7,000 camera system is portable, allowing officers to place equipment in areas with the highest need for additional surveillance to gather evidence such as web-camera video.
“These SmartCams would be so beneficial to the citizens of Milton in crime prevention and finding suspects that I think it’s well worth the investment,” Police Foundation President Deborah Berglund said.
This year, officers are also requesting foreign language training to better interact with Milton’s sizeable population of Russian, Spanish and Mandarin-speaking residents.
Local businesses also donated prizes and auction items to help raise money for the cause, including a $500 gift certificate from Goldenrod Jewelers.
Although donations are still being accepted, the event raised more than $1,000 thanks to ticket sales, pledges and auction proceeds.
Chief Bill Rhoads recognized the outstanding efforts of all officers during the event, as well as members of the community who have assisted the department in a variety of ways. Shaun Nestor of Never Mind Marketing received a certificated of appreciation for all the work he has contributed to the foundation’s website and flyers for special events. Fife Towing’s Phil Waldren was recognized for his $500 donation for the dinner, and Luce and Associates’ Ken Luce was recognized for his work in assisting the foundation in its filing to become an official 501 C3.
Medal of Merit awards were presented to Officers Paul Johnson and Russ Hume. Johnson received the honor due to his outstanding efforts in drug investigation cases in the city of Milton. Hume, as first-line supervisor, was honored because of his consistent willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Reserve Officer of the Year Reed Okawa received recognition because of his commitment to volunteering his time and talents to assist the department in any way he can.
Officer of the Year Kevin Peterson received the award for outstanding achievement based on his efforts in traffic enforcement and drug trafficking throughout the city of Milton.
For more information about the Milton Police Foundation, visit www.miltonpolicefoundation.us.
