Heroes among us: HPD officers and community watch organizations honored

Published on April 12, 2017

Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray has placed a priority on community policing and forging stronger relations between citizens and his officers.

That relationship was celebrated last week in an informal banquet at The Roundhouse held in by the Huntsville Community Watch Association.

It was “to honor the heroes walking among us, who are not looking for glory or praise,” said Rheajoela Caldwell, president of the Association.

A number of awards were presented, both by the Association and by Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray.

From the Huntsville Community Watch Association:

President’s Award:Officer Johnny Hollingsworth

Community Hero Award:John Hughes

Watch Groups of the Year:Jones Valley (South Precinct), Coosa Circle (North Precinct), Summer Tree Apartments (West Precinct)

Billy Clardy Community Policing Award:  Blake Hemphill and Gerald Gambino (West), Tory Green (North), Jason Brightwell (South)

From Huntsville Police Department:

Ranger of the Year(sponsored by Renasant Bank): Juan Zapata

Officer of the Year:Chad George (Special Services), Tory Green (North), Greg Hayden (Special Ops), Jeffrey Kreiter (South), Kevin Smith (West), Bradley Snipes (Special Ops)

Supervisor of the Year:Tim Clardy Jr. (West), Ronnie Dickey (South), Michael T. Johnson (North), Lee Tribble (Special Services), John VanKampen (Special Ops)

Other awards for service in 2016 for extraordinary performances were presented at various Huntsville City Council meetings throughout the year. Those winners included:

Medal of Valor:Tony Bryant

Purple Heart Medal:Ricky McCarver

Meritorious Service Medal:Harry Dobbins and Tyler Nabors

Lifesaving Medal:Dan Dean, Thomas Gargulinski, Donald Holycross, Steven Lineberry, Michael Onder, Reynard Robinson, Richard Sievers, Whitney Somerville, Jason Toney.