The first Police Recognition Day was presented to our club on the 14th. Arne Almquist began the day by explaining that this event was hosted by the Cincinnati Rotary Club very successfully during his time as a member there. The idea of recognizing our police department members is important to us as members of the community and Rotarians. The police serve our community in many different ways and the club wants to recognize them for their efforts to build a stronger and safer community.

Rotarians Allan Higgins and Steve Ahlenius were taken on a four-hour police ride-along. During that time, they saw the police officers in action during varied calls. Allan and Steve were able to see what their day is like and the types of situations that require their attention, compassion, professionalism and understanding of community members in need of services.

Sgt Tom Swope introduced Assistant Police Chief Jason Plunkett who gave a brief summary of the Beaumont Police Department (BPD) whose budget is $44.8 million. Most of that amount is to pay salaries. He explained that Beaumont has a full-service department that serves the community 24/7. This means that if you call for assistance, you will receive help. In 2020 the BPD serviced 149,000 calls and the answer time on the most violent crimes averaged 5.5 minutes. In 2022 there was less crime and at this point of 2023 the crime rate is relatively flat. BPD works over 2 dozen community outreach programs per year such as Mardi Gras and July the 4th. We are proud of our officers who see the worst of our society every day and work to solve crimes as well as prevent them.

Sgt Swope thanked the BPD partnership members from the clergy and introduced those in attendance. They are an important part of BPD’s team.

The first awards presented were “Beyond the Badge.” This award went to three officers, one in each shift time for taking extra time to help citizens in need of a hand up. The awards went to Officer William Gilmore, Detective Tray Armstrong and Officer Daniel Bacchiocchi.

The second award was “Crimes Against Persons: Unit Members”. The homicide unit was recognized. In 2023, 7 homicides have been investigated and presented for prosecution of 8 events as well as solving the event of serial robbers. Members of the unit are Lieutenants James Sliger, Mike Mills, Jeff Hancock, Saeed Serrant, Lance Carmouche, Aaron Lewallen, Christopher Raymer, Heather Wilson, Jason Torres, and Sergeant Jesus Tamayo and Officer Tim Spikes.

The “Lifesaving Award” was the third award presented. Officer Gabriel Fells was the recipient for saving a stabbing victim’s life with application of a tourniquet to a wound. The medical staff stated that the victim would have died without this application.

Our club was pleased to honor the BPD and recognize the service and the courage of these officers and their families.