Officers honored at annual ceremony

WAXHACHIE – The city of Waxahachie Police Department held its annual awards ceremony earlier this month with Waxahachie Police Chief Wade Goolsby opening the ceremony to a crowd of more than 100 in attendance.

“This is one of the most enjoyable nights of the year for me. To recognize the actions and accomplishments of the employees of this department and being part of such a great department is truly an honor,” Goolsby said.

Twenty officers and staff were presented with awards for their heroic actions and exemplary service to city residents and the department.

This year’s winners included Certificate of Merit recipients Andy Smith, Joe Fields, Kevin Patterson, Aarron Brasher, Dylan Snyder, Jacorey Jefferson, Connor Stevenson, Lt. Stephen Sanders and 911 dispatchers Clara Hopkins and Kaitlyn Shimel.

The Meritorious Conduct Award was presented to officers Ray Skidmore, Daniel Heiskell, Aarron Brasher, Tony Mikeska and Lt. Marcus Brown.

The Police Commendation Award was presented to Lindsey Sims, the communications supervisor, for outstanding performance in implementing a new computer aided dispatch system and records management system.

Receiving the Life Saving Award were officers Daniel Heiskell, Jacorey Jefferson, Shelby Lytle, and Tony Mikeska. This award is presented to outstanding individuals for their successful effort in saving a human life.

Three of the annual awards presented honored officers John Spalding, Jeff Springer and Josh Williams. These awards are selected by the chief of police and his command staff and recognize individuals in specific areas of performance or achievement.

The John Spalding Award for 2021 went to Officer Darrell Wafer.

The Jeff Springer Award is given to an officer who has made a significant contribution toward officer tactics, shooting, or survival skills. Special guest Jackie Spurgeon Springer-Koch, widow of fallen officer Lt. Jeff Springer, assisted Goolsby in awarding the 2021 Jeff Springer Award to Lt. Mike Lewis.

The Josh Williams Award is awarded to the WPD employee who contributes the most toward the arrests and/or prosecution of intoxicated drivers. The 2021 Josh Williams Award was presented to officer Tanner Mason.

The annual award event culminated with Michelle Burks being named the 2021 Civilian of the Year, Sgt. Chance Huckabee recognized as the Supervisor of the Year and Dustin Koch being named Officer of the Year.

Each year, police officers and staff have the opportunity to nominate individuals for the various awards. An awards committee, comprised of officers and staff, then review the nominations and keep the names of who are chosen to receive an award confidential until the annual ceremony takes place.