Yesterday the EPPD held its Annual Awards and Recognition Program where we celebrated the past year’s new hires and award recipients, and the 20^th anniversary of the Reserve Unit’s Color Detail.  

Our five newest officers took the ceremonial oath of office in front of family and friends after having taken the official oath of office on their first days as EPPD officers.

Officer Dallas Fisher (right) received the Chaplain Tim Power Award, named in honor of Father Tim Power who served as a Police and Fire Department Chaplain for 24 years before his death in 2016. The Chaplain Unit solicited nominations for the award which recognizes an employee who provides consistent care for people in the department and community, displays empathy when communicating with the public and fellow employees, demonstrates teamwork and exhibits actions that are engaging and encourages people to share themselves.

Officer Tony Behl (left) was named Officer of the Year for his professional and compassionate work in a variety of roles including Retail Crime Officer, Crime Scene Technician, Explorer Advisor, SWAT Negotiator, Field Training Officer and his current role as a juvenile liaison officer at Eden Prairie High School. The Civilian Employee of the Year was awarded to Public Safety Telecommunicator Rachel Selness for her exceptional service and professional demeanor while answering challenging calls, her work as a mentor and trainer to new dispatchers, and her 24 years working with the SWAT team as a Tactical Dispatcher.

The Reserve Unit’s Color Detail was also recognized for their 20 years of volunteer service to the community. The Color Detail raises and lowers flags at 13 City facilities upon a proclamation from the President or Governor. In the past 20 years, the Color Detail has been called out 757 times, which has amounted to 3,000 hours of volunteer service. They were recognized for their dedication to informing the community of the sacrifices made by others.

Congratulations to all!