Updated 4/27/25 at 3:47 p.m.
Garland, TX — On April 26, 2025, the Garland Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association hosted the 27th Annual Garland Police Department Awards Dinner, celebrating the remarkable achievements and dedication of officers and staff. Chief Bryan acknowledged that GPD responded to 106,687 calls in 2024 and added heartfelt remarks stating, “Tonight is not just about statistics; it is about the people behind those numbers. Tonight is about honoring the most courageous and inspiring acts of service imaginable.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing not only the heroic acts but also the countless quiet moments of service that occur daily, saying, “Every heroic act we recognize tonight, there are hundreds of everyday quiet unseen moments of service.” Chief Bryan concluded his address with gratitude, expressing, “So I can say on behalf of the Garland Police Department Command Staff, on behalf of City Council and the Mayor, on behalf of our community leaders, on behalf of city management, on behalf of our community, thank you for your service.”
Despite the serious nature of many of the experiences shared throughout the evening, Master of Ceremonies Officer Matt Pesta kept the atmosphere light and engaging, bringing laughter to the audience.
Award Recipients
The following officers were recognized for their outstanding contributions in various categories:
2024 Officers of the Month
- January: Officer James Clark
- February: Investigator Dennis Morrow
- March: Officer David D. Myers
- April: SRO Julia K. Hutson
- May: Officer Rex E. Kelley
- June: Officer Jason Wallingford
- July: Detective Michael R. Hatfield
- August: Officer Daniel Hanke
- September: Officer Yesenia G. Anguiano
- October: Officer Kastin Spencer
- November: K-9 Officer Daniel M. Lemboris
- December: Officer Calvert H. Tooley
Life Saving Awards
- Officer Charles E. Allen
- Officer Yesenia G. Anguiano
- Officer Andrew Behringer
- Officer Victor Foreman
- Lieutenant Caitlin McLaine
- K9 Officer Daniel M. Lemboris
- Officer John F. Sheehan
- Officer Ryan Uzarski
- Officer Edgar Borusqueta
- Officer David D. Myers
- Officer Quinlan X. Caltabiano-Trahan
- Officer Ryan A. Kelly
- Officer James E. Clark
- Officer Brandon L. Erickson
- Officer Samantha Grunow
- Officer L. Kelly Horton
- SRO Julia K. Hutson
- Officer Derek D. Le
- Officer Erik Villalpando
- Officer John LeBaron
- Officer Jason Wallingford
- SRO Jorge Morales
- SRO Bobby A. Taylor
- Officer Jacob M. Nelson
- Officer Nathan Schipper
- Officer Daylon D. Whitley
One notable story shared involved Officers Jorge Morales and Bobby A. Taylor, who responded to a call regarding a student feeling faint. Upon arrival, they found the student unresponsive. Officer Morales quickly provided Officer Taylor with Narcan, which was administered, resulting in the student regaining consciousness after being unconscious for up to 10 minutes.
Certificate of Merit Awards
- Officer Nathan Coggin
- SRO Troy C. Johnson
- Officer Rex Kelley
- NPO Don T. Le
- NPO Caleb R. Maldonado
- Investigator Christopher A. Martin
- K9 Officer Robert R. McDonald Jr.
- Police Service Dog Ricki
- SRO David J. Scicluna
- NPO Steven T. Sprong
In another incident, officers responded to a stabbing call that turned out to be a severe beating. K9 Officer McDonald and Police Service Dog Ricki Bobby successfully tracked the suspect, leading to their apprehension without incident.
Additional Awards
- Life Saving Certificate: Public Safety Dispatcher Sarah Tristan
- Life Saving Certificate – Citizen: Robert Robinette
- Volunteer of the Year: Ron Dietz
- Civilian of the Year: Digital Investigative Analyst Tavie Guthrie
- Detention Officer of the Year: Lead Detention Officer Guy Lamb
- Communications Operator of the Year: Senior Public Safety Dispatcher Regina Whitsitt
- Excellence in DWI Enforcement Award: Officer Andrew Behringer
- Detective of the Year: Investigator Keith Carlton
- Unit of the Year: Lieutenant Gary Steadman, Officer Richard “Trey” Ashcroft, Investigator Tammy Castro, Officer Scott C. Ehrman, Officer Anthony Hunter, Officer Mykeal Hurse, Officer Alberto Irizarry, Investigator Nicholas Kubiak, Investigator Dennis Morrow, Officer Joe Privitt
- Supervisor of the Year: Lieutenant Cesar VanCleave
- Officer of the Year: Officer Daniel M. Lemboris and Police Service Dog Diesel
Officer Lemboris and Service Dog Diesel were recognized for their exceptional work, achieving 20 felony apprehensions in 2024, including tracking a murder suspect and locating the murder weapon. In remembrance of Diesel, who retired in December 2024 and passed away shortly after, the community is grateful for his service and the invaluable contributions he made alongside Officer Lemboris.
The evening concluded with a formal acknowledgment of the dedicated service rendered by the Garland Police Department and the dedicated efforts provided to the department by the Garland Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.
