CAP Awards - August 2026

Good morning everyone. Uh we're going to go ahead and get started. We'd like to welcome our dignitaries, DPD family and friends, CAP award recipients, community members, and guests. My name is Christy Mocker and I'm the co-president of Citizens Appreciate Police. I'm also the community engagement program manager for district 2 and three. Before we begin, we would like to recognize our dignitaries who are in attendance today. Could we please ask that you hold your applause until all the dignitaries have been announced? Um, we have with us today the Denver Public Safety Executive Director, Al Gardner. We have, um, sorry, just looking around as people come in. Uh, the District 1 Commander, Erin Rabbitrono, District 2 Commander Carlos Aragon, District Three Commander Joel Bell. On behalf of District 5 Commander Joe Engelbert, we have Lieutenant Ryan Conofeld. I think if I'm missing anyone, please let me know. Internal affairs commander Mark Chuck. Um, and then the director of Crisis Service Bureau, Chris Richardson. And if there's any other commanders back there, I'm going to apologize now. I'm trying to scan the crowd for faces here. Real quick, we have Denver District Attorney John Walsh. Blue Hat Executive Director Kathy Davis, Denver Police Museum President Mike Hess. The We want to give special recognition to our DPD uh photographer Tim Burgess for being here today. Thank you. Um we also want to recognize uh Osage Initiatives President Jane Franken, former uh director of the Denver Police Foundation. She's here. I saw her. Um, and then we also want to give a huge shout out to our uh Denver Police PIO team. Um, they certainly we cannot do this without their support. So, thank you Brian, Jay, and I know Lorren, Christine, and um, Doug as well. So, we appreciate all your help. Um, we'll go ahead and give everybody a round of applause. Sorry, [laughter] I'm trying to hold this. [applause] All right. If I could ask my CAT team to stand when I introduce you. Um I don't see. Okay. Um my CAT board co-president Rob Collins, my uh CAT board treasurer, Linda Tofoya. I'm looking around for people as we say this. Retired Denver Police Sergeant Margaret Chavez. Retired Deputy Chief Joe Mononttoya, uh, Melissa Fox. There you are. Sorry, Keith. Keith Sydney, Patty Casillas, and Laura Cole. Thank you all. Thank you all so much. Um, at this time, I'm going to bring Rob up. I don't really think I need this. Most of you can hear me, can't you? Welcome. Always good to see all our friendly faces, all of our police officers and their families. Uh those of the administration, it's good to have you here. I'd like you to have you join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag and then we'll go ahead and get on with the presentations. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of the ceremony. [clears throat] All right. Our CAT board would like to ask that you join us for a moment of silence as we remember and honor the lives of our Denver police officers who have passed away since our last board meeting. Thank you. Citizens Appreciate Police, also known as CAP, was founded in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tulie. CAP is a nonprofit organization whose intention is to bring awareness to the compassion and professionalism displayed every day by Denver police officers as they respond to the needs of our community. The mission of the CAT board is to seek out and publicly rec acknowledge Denver police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to our community. The CAP award consists of a plaque and a pin. This pin is the only civilian awarded pen that Denver police officers can wear on their uniform. To date, more than 550 officers have received a CAP award. And we'll go ahead and get started. If I could have retired Deputy Chief Joe Mononttoya come up, please. Thank you. Good morning. >> Um, thanks for being here to support all these officers who have uh done really unique things. Uh, I've always emphasized that, you know, when you look at police work, you're always looking at the heroic acts and the the saving of lives and and such, but really these the the the things that we're going to talk about today are just as important because they have the same impact on people as if you save their lives. in a roundabout way, the work and the interactions that these officers take the time to to do and the care they give to the community also has that everlasting effect on these people. I'm here to talk about Officer Lauren Flores. Um, Officer Flores um responded to a two vehicle accident and one of the the parties involved in the accident was a mother and her two teenage daughters. They were very distraught. She quickly recognized that their car was completely uh demolished, which is, you know, very very impactful to people. That's a very traumatic incident. She took the time to talk to them and found that um you know, their situation was really bad. So that just compounds, you know, having your car totaled. um she understood they were having some resource issues in their lives um with housing and and such. She took it a step further and invited them to join her for lunch. She bought them lunch and sat down and visited with them and really created a bond with that family. Um she then worked afterwards to to plug in the resources to help them try to get their lives back on track. Now I tell you that that that moment that that that time that she took to spend with that family will have a a never- ending effect on them. Not only in the mother, but I can tell you those teenage daughters very impressionable. And now they have this vision of a what a police officer should be. And that's exactly what a police officer should be cuz the foundation of what we do needs to be caring about people first and everything else comes with that. So, with that being said, I'd like to call officer Flores up to the stage. [applause] And I'd like to also call up uh Lieutenant Hines and Sergeant Ryan. They're also going to speak on about Officer Flores. Thanks, J. >> Well, good morning everyone. I'm uh excited and proud to be here with Officer Flores today to talk about uh what she's doing for our community out here. You know, as a profession, I think law enforcement in recent years, we've talked a lot about humanizing the badge and connecting with the community, letting people see the person behind the badge. And I think that uh this this award that Lauren is getting today represents that in so many ways because what came naturally to her uh after this incident as a mother and a community member to help somebody out in need and connect with these folks um is really the heart of connecting with the community and showing them the person behind the badge. Um, just by being there for this family, she's leaving a lasting impact on community members that they'll carry throughout their lives. And remember that police officers aren't just people showing up and yelling commands at people during a dangerous crime scene or writing somebody a ticket for speeding, but they're actually the people that uh serve their community in so many other ways. Um, this family is going to remember Officer Flores and what she did for them. And I think this uh just exemplifies the behavior that she exhibits out here every day uh in district five and for the city and county of Denver. So, thank you for your work and your representation of the Denver Police Department. [applause] >> Yeah, it's hard to add on to that. I I want to also while we acknowledge um Officer Flores here, I also want to thank the the CAT board for doing this. Like Lieutenant Hines just said, the uh the human side of police work, all too often we're expected to kind of work like AI robots and make decisions in split seconds and just be a little more distant or disconnected from the community. Uh it's these moments where you're kind of your heart swells up and uh you have this feeling that you should do just that little bit more and uh it's nice to have officers like Lauren Flores out there uh to recognize that to recognize that she can connect with this family and really share a moment with them and uh that that'll be a lasting connection forever. So uh it was easy to recognize once I heard the story that uh she was doing good things out there and she's always doing good things on a daily basis. So, it's hard just to to kind of put it down to to one story, but um this one we certainly had to submit her for, and I'm uh I'm proud of her, and she does good work out there. So, thank you very much. Thank you, Lauren. You're doing a great job. [applause] >> [applause] >> Congratulations, [snorts] Officer Flores. All right, Laura, [clears throat] would you like to come up? Yes. Thank you. >> Oh, this podium's taller than I am. Good morning, everyone. I want to apologize in advance. Um, I'm going to be reading this instead of saying it um from u memory just because I don't want to lose the essence of um the statement that was provided by commander uh I'm sorry I'm having a sorry sorry uh >> commander um so thank you for your patience I apologize for that technician Monique Cabrera is currently assigned as a community resource officer in district 5. [snorts] Technician Cabrera received notification from Miss Anne White that her daughter Ivonne had just suff suffered another stroke. Miss Anne related that her daughter was currently at Denver Health Medical Center and that her condition was not good. Miss Anne related that her daughter may have to stay in the hospital hospital for several days. Miss Anne White is a senior citizen who lives in the Mont Bellow neighborhood and has been a staple in the Mont Bellow community for many years. She is the executive director of Mont Bellow 2020 and beyond and a community organization focusing on enhancing community engagement, connecting community with resources, enhancing quality of life in the neighborhood, and participating in outreach events within the community. Miss Anne and her organization have been community partners with the Denver Police Department for a long time. When technician Cabrera learned of the current medical related hardships that the family was trying to navigate, she contacted Miss Anne directly and asked her if there was anything that she could do to help. Miss Anne related that she did not have time to go to the store to get some muchneeded food supplies for her home as she was at the hospital at her daughter's bedside. Without hesitation, on her own time, with her own money, technician Camber explained to Miss Anne that she would be happy to pick up the groceries for Miss for her. Um, technician Camber delivered the grocery items to Miss Anne that totaled $70. Miss Anne offered to pay for the items which is to which technician Carrera did not accept. I was made aware of technician Carrera's actions two days later when I called Miss Anne to check on her and her daughter. I asked her if there was anything that District 5 could do to help support her in time of need. To which she replied, "You already have. Thank you for buying the groceries for me. It really helped me and allowed me to be with my daughter to support her in recovery. When I asked technician Cabrera about the groceries, she related that she didn't want any acknowledgement, stating further that she loves her community and that she has in her uh she has in her position to have a positive impact. Therefore, it is my recommendation that the board consider Technician Cabrera for the Citizens Appreciate Police Award for her selfless actions that helped a member of the Denver community in their time of need. [applause] Thank you. I had the opportunity to speak with Mon'nique regarding the situation. Mon'nique explained that Miss Anne sent an email requesting prayers for her daughter who had recently suffered a stroke. After learning of her circumstances, Mon'nique reached out to Miss Anne and asked how she could assist. Mon'nique shared that Miss Anne is a kind and generous person who has helped countless others and that assisting her during this difficult time was the least she could do. And if I can invite um uh technician Cabrera up, I have a letter from Miss Anne that I would like to read with her here. [applause] Hopefully I can make this let uh read this letter without crying because every time I read it I cry. So, dear technician Cabrera, as you are recognized for your dedicated service to the Montello community, I want to express my deepest and most personal gratitude for the extraordinary care you have shown my family. Your commitment to service extends far beyond your professional duties, and I'm honored to acknowledge the compassion you have poured into our lives during one of our most difficult seasons. Three days before Christmas, my daughter Ivonne suffered a stroke. In the months that followed, she endured three more, including one that required nearly two weeks of hospitalization and a week in critical care. Throughout this frightening and exhausting journey, you called me at least three times a week, checking on Ivonne's condition, offering prayers for healing, and reminding me if I needed anything at all, you were there. During the long hours I spent at the hospital, I had no time to take care of even the simplest needs at home. When you called and asked how you could help, I mentioned that I could I couldn't go to the grocery store. You immediately told me to send you a list. I tried to keep it modest, but that didn't matter. You doubled what I asked for. The act of generosity was a true blessing for me and my family. When I tried to reimburse you, your kindness came from your heart freely given. Your continued check-ins, prayers, and your willingness to step in without hesitation. These were not gestures. They were lifelines. You were a godsend at a time when strength was hard to find. As you receive this award, please know how deeply deserving you are. Your service is not only professional, but also personal, compassionate, and rooted in faith. In learning more about your name, I discovered that Monique is associated with the woman of faith who extends care to others. you embody that meaningfully. I wish I could uh be there in person to celebrate you, but I hope this letter conveys the gratitude and ad admiration I hold for you. Thank you for being a shining example of what true service looks like. It is service guided by heart, humanity, and unwavering dedication. with profound appreciation, Miss Anne White. [applause] Mon'nique's actions exemplify compassion, selflessness, and genuine commitment to serving others. Her willingness to recognize a community member in need of assistance at her own expense demonstrates the kind of kindness and dedication that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others. So with that, I'd like to ask um Lieutenant Conanville to come up as um to say a few words. Okay. Um, I'm going to continue the tradition and and read some remarks that came straight from uh, Commander Commander Inglebert uh, as he's on vacation. I'm going to be representing him today. So, a word from Commander Joe Engelbert. Mon'nique, I'm sorry that I can't be here to celebrate the reception of this well-deserved, prestigious award, and you are an outstanding, well-respected member of the District 5 team and the Mont Bellow community. You exude unwavering integrity and exceptional moral character which shows through your daily actions. You complete your ta daily tasks with a big heart that is dedicated to service. Monnique, you truly embody the absolute best of law enforcement. You continually go above and beyond to build trust, extend a helping hand, and ensure that every resident feels heard, valued, and protected. I say all this and even though I'm not present for the award, I'm sure Monnique is thinking, "Commander, I'm just doing my job." Well, Mon'nique, congratulations on a job well done. I'm proud to serve the Denver Police Department and the Mont Bellow community with you. Congratulations with great respect to Commander Joe Ingleberg. [applause] >> [crying] >> I can present you with your pen and your award. >> Do you want to write your family pictures? Okay. [applause] Congra, [applause] congratulations, technician Cabrera. Um, at this time, I'd like to ask officer Steven Damada to come up, please. I want to mention this award as you see um on the photos on the table over here. um is for officer Jesus Hernandez and Steven Damada. Um officer uh Hernandez unfortunately uh suffered a major injury. Um he's given me permission to share that. So he is unable to be with us here today. Um but he is recovering at home and we are excited to have him back as soon as he's able. Um so you're on the hook for [laughter] for all this today. Here we go. Um so Officer Hernandez and Officer Damada responded to a possible law violation at a residence in District 2. When they arrived on scene, they began assisting a father with his reported concern and ultimately concluded their response to his call for service. However, and that's why we're here today, however, Officer Hernandez and Officer Damada serve our community in a way that truly embodies compassion and humanity. And this example of this call for service was no different. I tried to put into words um how to wrap into words um an analogy or um an idea for describing you both. Um and I I came up with something that I found called a guardian mindset. So, Officer Hernandez and Officer Damada serve our community fully with an guardian mindset. A guardian mindset is treating everyday encounters as though opportun everyday encounters as opportunities to build trust, deescalate tension, and solve root problems in addition to handling needed enforcement actions. In the hectic world that our police officers operate in, going call to call, seeing people on their worst days and the many traumas our officers are exposed to every day. You have the ability to maintain that guardian mindset, you and officer Hernandez. See, the officers could have responded, handled the business, which they did, and moved on to their next call. I talked to both officers. That would have been what was typical or expected of a response to the call for service. But because of the servant hearts of officer Hernandez and officer Damada, they had listened to the concerns of the father and begin to see a bigger picture of a single father with five young children who was doing the best he could but was facing serious challenges. Because of the professionalism and listening that the officers did in a short period of time, the officers learned some things and a level of trust was built. See, instead of seeing two cops, this father saw and felt the concern of two other fathers, not officers, looking to find wrongdoing. Um, I bring that up because as a community member, when officers respond, a lot of times community members can feel that they're looking for something wrong, right? They have to do a complete analysis of that call for service. And this father was able to see the humanity and the fathers in officer Damata and officer Hernandez. And he they built trust. And that trust is so important. That guardian mindset was seen by this father. So officers Hernandez and Damada used their I call it Spidey senses as they asked this father if they could check in on the family just to make sure everything was okay. The officers had learned through their conversation of these challenges that this family was facing. And rather than just leave the call because there were calls holding, they wanted to take the time to make sure everybody was okay. It's because these officers didn't just move on to the next call that these officers demonstrated compassion and a trusting nature. And so when they asked the father if they could come inside and check on his five children, the father said yes. The officers had no way of knowing that if they had not responded to this call with this guardian mindset, this family would have faced significant and uncertain hardships. The officers shared when they visited the home, all the children were happy, well cared for, and in good spirits. But when the officers entered the kitchen, they realized the significant challenge this father had shared with them about needing food for his family as he headed into the long weekend. Well, these guardian officers were not going to walk away from this family without helping. They got out their pens and notepads and began to gather a list of what the family liked to eat. After gathering the list, they told the father they were going to the store and they would be back. Officer Hernandez and Damadas went to the grocery store, got all the items on the list and then some more. As they wanted this family to have plenty of food over the weekend, they purchased all the items on their own with their own money. And then they returned the food and ensured returned with the food for the family and ensured the family's needs were met for the weekend. And what Officer Hernandez and officer Damada did not realize was their act of kindness and compassion was about to trigger something bigger. what happened next might some might call luck, but I really think when I was thinking of all and how this could have turned out so differently, I think it was almost like a divine intervention. And I say that because when you see the patrol sergeant who completes um the end of watch as we call them, the actions the officers did that day on their shift. He took the time to make mention of this incredible compassion and kindness that officer Hernandez and officer Damata demonstrated on this call. In doing so, it triggered the attention of outreach case uh coordinator program manager Mandy Feele. Mandy, would you like to come up and share a little bit more about how because of the officer's actions you got involved and how this family has benefited? >> Thanks, Christie. Um, so my name is Mandy Feele and I oversee the outreach case coordinator program. For those of you who don't know, um, outreach case coordinators are civilian employees within the police district or police stations um, working under crisis services. Um, the team follows up on any calls where resource or officers go on where individuals are needing more resources. So like Christie said, this sparked um or this came to me and then um, I assigned it to my team. We followed up with this gentleman. I need to recognize Juliana Royal. She is the OCC that worked directly with him. Juliana, can you stand up? [applause] Juliana went out and met um with this father and the kids, talked more with him about what was going on, was able to pro provide him more with um some grocery um gift cards. speaking with him further, she found out that he was in danger of eviction due to um some employment changes and we were able to work with community organizations to pay the back eviction to make sure that he wasn't evicted. Um during this process, I got to know this father personally as well. Um today I actually got to meet him in person. Um and he's here today. So I'd like to call up Omar. Um, he also brought some of his kiddos with him. [applause] >> Um, this is my first speech in a very long time, so [laughter] I just want to start with that. Um, they went way more in depth than I wrote down. So, I kind of want to follow up with everything that they said. Uh, we moved here in 2022 from Nashville, Tennessee. If anybody has been following the news, you know, it's a completely different environment than what the city of Denver has than what the city of Denver has going on. So when the situation initially aroused, I was concerned, you know, as a single father, especially as a black father. And like I told the officers, this is the first time I've ever dealt with the police in this manner, like as far as how friendly they were, allowing them to come in the home. That's like rule number one down south. We don't let them in the house. Keep everything at the front door. So, just, you know, I've only been here four years and just where everything went, it just it blew my mind. Like, we we're still talking about it now as a family. Uh they provided groceries. Juliana followed up almost every week about groceries, bus passes, uh asking how they could help with rent and keep following up with rent. Uh, I got my kids October 2025 and I lost my job January 2026. So, I was working at Goodyear. They just so happened to just closed the plant down. Everybody lost their employment. They incentivized us with uh I forget the word for it, but they gave us a few dollars depending on how long you've been there. And it was just a rough time. And at that time, I don't want to say what I want to say, but it was just complicated with their mom. Like, with all of that happening, soon as I got the kids, we've only been splitting up two two and a half years now. So, like within the first year, I lost my job and all that happened. And like they really made a a impact I can't even explain. Like honestly, like my upbringing where I'm from like that just doesn't happen like at all. Like and I just want to say thank you. [applause] >> Um, can I ask Commander Aragon to come up front, please? Thank you, Christie. I'm uh Carlos Aragon, the commander of District 2. Uh, and I just wanted to I'll be quick because a lot has already been said, but I did want to thank Officer Damada and officer Hernandez who couldn't be here today. uh the level of dedication and the level of compassion that they demonstrated with this this gentleman as well as his kiddos back there um is second to none. Right. It's uh some it's something that they did with just just being kind and having big hearts um and being able to buy groceries and things that this family needed um is a standard, right? I don't think it's not only the standard in District 2. I think it's a standard actually citywide that all districts demonstrate. Um, and I just want to personally thank both officers uh from the bottom of my heart that that uh the level of uh like I said, the level of kindness and compassion that they had demonstrated on this call and and like uh that was read to you guys earlier, they could have just walked away, right? Did their business, walked away, but they did the extra step, right? they did the extra uh little thing that made a big difference in this family's, you know, heart and and their minds, you know, when it comes to communication, uh their experience with the police department. And that's, I believe, what we're striving for. So, thank you guys. Appreciate you. [applause] It is because of this kindness and compassion you have demonstrated on this call for service that our CAT board would like to recognize you and Officer Hernandez with this CAP award. >> Juliana, can you come up please? [clears throat] Juliana is gonna hop into >> and come over this way. goes down just a little bit forward. Thank you. Right there. Thank you. [applause] and Linda Too, would you be able to come up now? >> I would love Can y'all hear me back there? >> Can y'all hear me? I' I'd rather not use this if at all possible. So, I'll try to I'll try to the mic for the recording. So, if you Okay, just now. No, no, >> let it be. Okay. I don't know what she wants me to do. You're near it. >> Um I I actually would like to invite officer Andrew um Olan and Officer Corey Kryer up here, please. And while they're coming up here, um I need to set the stage. So, imagine if you would, it is 4:00 in the morning on April 21st of this year out near Tower Road. Um, it's probably pretty dark. It's probably cold and chilly. There are two young girls, one is 17, one is 13, each with a disability that borders on the autistic spectrum. They have recently run away from a new group home in Aurora into which they had been placed. Aurora's officer Testerman was the primary officer in that was responding to the call to look for the missing girls. Although he had seven officers assisting him in this search, um he reached out to Denver for assistance because the area that they had set up as the parameter for their search uh was contiguous to Denver. And so they needed some Denver officers knowing that the more feet they had on the ground probably the better chances they would have of finding these girls who were high risk and very vulnerable. Thus sets our stage. Tada. And enters officers Olen and Kryer. Um they received and responded to the call from dispatch that um Aurora was needing assistance in searching for these missing girls. They met up with Officer Testerman who provided them with a photo of the girls and then described the parameters for the search. Well, these two fellas are very familiar with that particular sector and they decided let's do it our way. So they split up and officer Olan went out to kind of the hangouts that they knew teenagers and runaways like to gravitate to. And then Corey um went to the hotels, the nearby hotels because they were generally pretty active at that time of the morning and are often a source of information. And sure enough, um, Officer Kryer found out from one of the hotelers, perhaps one of the bus drivers, that, um, he had seen two girls along Pñena Boulevard. So, the officers get together, they go over to Pñena Boulevard and they spot the girls. Now, what you need to understand, as Dr. as Olan tried to describe to me, is an area that was really, really dangerous. Um, the cars are zipping along paying you to get to the airport. There's only a really narrow gravel walkway next to the guard rail. And so these girls were really at risk. And so officer Olan and Kryer said, "Well, we need to protect the girls from this traffic." So Olan angled his car in behind the girls while Kryer ended up putting his car in front. I got that right. And that way trying to just keep them safe. Well, they their their intent was good, but the girls were not happy. Um, they saw the police officers and immediately kind of did a little acting out. Um, they hated the police. They don't trust the police. They don't like the police. And most importantly, they did not want to go back to the group home. So officers Olan and Kryer knew that their primary goal quite honestly at this point was number one to keep the girls safe and to try to get them to voluntarily get into the patrol car. Both of them stipulated that using force simply was not an option. So they took an extraordinary amount of time and patience in talking with the girls trying to calm them down. And the older girl, the 17-year-old, was a little more belligerent and so she had jumped over the guard rail and was trying to coax the 13-year-old to come with her. Um, and the 13-year-old in her wisdom said to said to the 17-year-old, "Why? They're just going to get us anyway." Um, which I thought was cute. But what I really like is the officers were honest with them because the officers said to them, you know, she's right. We we we are responsible for you. We have to take care of you and keep you safe. So they continued to do their talking and then finally the girls kind of settled down just a little bit. And but even when they were settling down and got more comfortable with these two officers, they still remained adamant. I don't want to go back to the group home. I don't want to go back to the group home. The officer just again using their honest approach said, you know, I know you really don't want to go back, but ultimately you're going to have to. So, they weren't trying to lie to them. They were being honest. You will have to go back to the group home, but you know what? We don't have to go back right now. And so they proposed instead, let's let's the four of us go to a nearby [clears throat] allnight McDonald's kiosk and we'll we'll have a breakfast. You all have to be hungry. You've been out on the road. And so you know the saying, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well, apparently it works for teenage girls also. Um because at that point the girls said, "Oh, okay." So they did. after a little more coaxing and talking, end up getting in the patrol car. Officers Olen and Chrysler then called the dispatch to say, "We've got the girls. They're safe and we are going to go um over to McDonald's though and get something to eat." And by the time they got to McDonald's, um Officer Aurora's officer Testerman was already there. And the girls ordered their meal. And one of the things I'd like to interject here is the younger girl, 13-year-old, had said to them, "Can I have some coffee?" And they said, "Caffeine?" No. So, they talked her into using orange juice instead. Um, which I thought was a wonderful option that they did. Um, but anyway, so Officer Olan was about to pay for the breakfast, but then Tester said to them, "No way. You two have done the biggest part. You were able to find these girls." that was outside of our search parameters and the least I can do is pay for it. And so they did. Um, thanks to Officer Owens and Chrysers over and above the call of duty service, these young girls were safe and they were returned to the group home. And as a result of the officer's caring and compassion, the girls negative attitude towards the police was changed to one of respect and trust. >> [sighs and gasps] >> I'm with you, Laura. This is the part I get kind of tearing. Um, in my book, it's not just what these officers did in this situation that's important, but no, most notably, how differently and perhaps tragically this story could have ended had they not done what they did. I would quote from Sergeant Matthew Trillo's nomination letter. Officers Olan and Kryer's conduct reflects the highest standards of the Denver Police Department and exemplifies the intent of the Citizens Appreciate Police Award. Their actions demonstrate empathy, initiative, and a genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of the community, particularly its most vulnerable members. Um officers, anything I missed or you want to add? Okay. Well, I have two people that I have asked to also present and that is um would we have a special guest from Aurora. Aurora's officer Samuel Testerman. Would you please come up here? And then also officer Trillo, Sergeant Anthony Matthew Trillo, would you come up? Um I've asked them to say a I've I've [applause] I've asked them to say a few words because you know when I asked the officers if they wanted to say something and they well we probably would not even be up here today recognizing their extraordinary service were it not for these two and so I'm going to start with our guest officer Testerman. Would you please speak? >> Thank you. >> Well I'm officer Tester with Aurora. Um, I don't have too much to say, but I think the pattern that we're realizing today is with these awards, it's officers who are willing to go above and beyond. Um, for us as an agency, and I know for them too, sometimes you need just a little bit extra help, and you're going to call for other agencies to provide that help sometimes. And if it's a life or death scenario or, you know, something's active, you expect that response pretty fast. But on something like this, you know, we're all busy in our own cities. We all have calls we got to handle and people who need help. So, you never really are too sure if you're going to be able to get a good response. Um, Officer Oan and Officer Kryer, they responded quickly and without hesitation to this call and uh, you know, made it their own, made it personal to them. Um, like Miss Linda said, the our search parameter was primarily in Denver. We don't know that area super well. They know it much better than us. And the area where these juveniles were located was outside of our area that we were searching. So, we would not have found them if it was not for for these two officers here. Um, you know, I contacted their sergeant to just kind of give an adab boy for this because I think this is one of those situations. It's a perfect example of, you know, we [snorts] wear a different patch, we wear a different badge, a different uniform. But at the end of the day, we're all here to protect our ser our communities, serve our communities, and help those who need it. and these two juveniles that were at risk. Maybe they didn't want it at the time, but they needed that assistance and they needed that protection. Um, I just wanted to be here to appreciate both these officers, say thank you for for what you did for doing that above and beyond um for your professionalism and helping Aurora with something you didn't have to. Um, I'll also say too with that above and beyond, me and Officer Olen, we were kind of laughing about it beforehand. I have personally called for Denver's assistance only three times. Um, every single one of those times it was officer Olan who happened to be the officer who responded and I've seen officer Kryer on multiple calls for service as well. Um, so I think it just goes further to their continued not just in this one scenario but their continued willingness to help other agencies and to do what needs to be done. So thank you both and congratulations. [applause] Okay, now we'll hear from Matthew Trillo because he's a part of this story, too. >> Well, the stage was set, the story was told, and we're kind of circling around to my involvement. So, um, I start the morning shift off for district 5. Um, so we'll start around 5:30. And all of the uh uh officers in here and a lot of the sergeants and lieutenants and the commanders know that depending on what happened last night kind of really dictates the speed and the resources that are needed and all the kind of troubles of getting getting our district started, getting getting our officers going, getting everything on the right foot. So, as part of that, you know, we're getting our details ready. We're getting we're getting everything else. We got to get our roll call. there's a little bit of an overlap between detail three, which is the night shift, and and detail one is the morning shift. So, in the process of that, you do have some sergeants that are overlapping there. And we're looking at our calls for service on that day. And it was the night she's uh she she put uh into perspective for us. And as we get in there, we're having all these holding calls for service. Sadly, it happens. But um as I briefly look through it to try to triage our day, we need we need troops here. Who needs cover? who needs relief. Um, all the things that we start our day with as as a supervisor. Um, I noticed this information call and it was from officer Tester. Um, so as I start my day and we start getting things going, I apologize officer Testament here because here I am. There was a little bit of an elapsed wait uh in my response to that supervisor call, but I did. So, I I really appreciate Officer Tester waiting, you know, to to tell me this is this is what I saw. This is what these officers did. Um, and I really truly couldn't write fast enough. Uh, he was telling me the details and I'm scribing. I'm scribing. I'm scribing trying to get everything everything there. And and I've been there with both of these officers when, you know, that that unfortunate use of force did happen, right? We're going for that bad guy. you're you're you're arresting, you know, a violent offender off the street and then getting to hear um them assisting a truly vulnerable group of gals um was really heartwarming. So um my congratulations to them and my thank you to Officer Tester for bringing this to our attention and allowing us to share it with you. [applause] And and then just on a final note, I can't see him. Um, Lieutenant um McClesy, would you like to come up and say a few words as well? Just really embarrassed them. >> You know, we're doing really good so far. >> Um, you know, a lot I I really can't, you know, add to all of this. Um, one thing I can say for the CAP award, I really appreciate you guys doing this because officers, you're only three, four years into your career and you're already starting getting this. I can tell you it goes fast and from what I've heard from the retirees is these are those kind of rewards that although you may do things like this all the time, the the the awards are nice because it almost kind of helps imprint more memories later in life. uh and also recognizes to you know your family your accomplishments. So well done. You're representing district 5 extremely [music] well. We appreciate it. Look forward to seeing what you guys do in the rest of your career. >> Thank you. [applause] And with that we make the award presentation. Let's see. Let's join her in another round. [applause] >> Here we go. [applause] >> Thank you. Congratulations officers. At this time, I'd like to ask the executive director of public safety, Al Gardner, if he would come forward, please. [applause] Thank you. I cannot compete with it was a cold and rainy night, so I'm going to be extremely brief. A lot has been said. I think enough has been said. Um there is a a poem by Rupert Kipling that says if and it says this and I think it's appropriate to everything that we've heard in terms of taking care of families to turning the minds and changing the minds of young young adults terms of teamwork even with other jurisdictions that we work with. And it said if you can talk with crowds and never lose your virtue, if you can walk with kings but not lose the common touch, the earth is yours and everything in it. It's saying that the relation to people is always the most important relation. And I think that's mostly what's on display here this morning. So thank you to all the officers uh for everything that you do um as a citizen, as someone who's privileged to serve in this way. Thank you. >> [applause] >> And Deputy Chief Sanchez, would you like to come up? [laughter] >> I'm definitely afraid of microphones. >> Good morning, everybody. Uh just I just wanted to say uh thank you for all of our officers that are really doing God's work every single day. Uh can't thank you guys enough. Um, as always, uh, I thank our board. I have the privilege of being a part of the board. Uh, this board is so special to us, uh, that Deputy Chief Joe Montoya upon retirement said, "I'm leaving all other boards except for CAP because it's that special to us." Uh, you've heard all the stories. It's that special to all of us. So, with that being said, uh, thank you all for what you do every single day. [applause] All right. And if I could ask um our officers um and technician to bring your awards and come to the front, please. We do this every time so that we can catch you for a quick photo, honor you one more time, and uh take a quick photo before um you have the conversations and meetings with your family and friends. >> Uh we just have them up here. We'll go outside. We'll take them straight there. Yeah. >> We congratulate today's six award recipients. We sincerely appreciate your above and beyond service to our community. We hope as we honored you today, we also indirectly honored all the numerous untold stories of Denver police officers who serve our community above and beyond the call of duty daily. Our cap board sends our sincere appreciation to all the men and women of the Denver Police Department. We give our heartfelt acknowledgement to all all of our dedicated Denver Police officers. As you go about your day-to-day duties, we want you to know, we recognize the risks you face daily, the sacrifice you stand ready for, and your unwavering commitment to serve and protect all those who call upon you. Simply said, we see you, we appreciate you, and we need you. As we conclude, the CAT board would like to extend our gratitude to all our dignitaries and guests for attending today's ceremony. Thank you.