Denver Officers Honored For 'Acts of Kindness'

From The City of Denver: Today, the nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized six Denver Police officers who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion in helping people in our community. Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes Denver Police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 400 officers have received the CAP award. The officers honored today are:

Captain Sylvia Sich

For more than 17 years, Captain Sich and her husband, Phil, have paid frequent visits to the Denver Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) to deliver boxfuls of wholesome snacks. The DCAC serves more than 100 children each month, and Captain Sich and Phil know that many of the children do not have enough food in their homes or rarely eat properly-balanced and nutritious meals. While snack delivery and playtime with the children are the most visible and regular part of their volunteer involvement at DCAC, Captain Sich and Phil have always supported DCAC’s fundraising efforts.

Detective Louis Estrada & Detective Bruce Gibbs

On August 6, 2018, Homicide Unit Detectives Estrada and Gibbs began investigating an attempted suicide. When the detectives later learned that the 25-year-old female victim was placed on life support, they contacted the victim's mother, who resides out of state and was not familiar with the Denver area. Detectives Estrada and Gibbs, understanding the extreme hardship that the victim's family was facing, picked up the victim's mother at Denver International Airport and transported her to the hospital to say goodbye to her daughter. Additionally, the detectives obtained the victim's vehicle keys from the property, delivered her vehicle to her mom at the hospital, and paid for valet parking so that she had a means of transportation while in Denver and for transporting her daughter’s belongings to her own home. Detectives Gibbs and Estrada also helped the victim's mother make hotel arrangements for her stay in Denver.

Officer Cheryl Smith

In April of 2018, District Two Officer Smith responded to a call of a restraining order violation and intimidation of a witness stemming from a domestic violence incident. When she arrived on scene, the officer learned that the suspect allegedly threatened to burn the victim’s home if she testified against him. Due to the threats, the victim was fearful of remaining at her home. Officer Smith tried to find a safe house or shelter for the victim and her four children, but was unsuccessful. After exhausting all options, Officer Smith personally paid for the family of five to spend the night at a nearby hotel, ensuring their safety.

Officer Michael Torsney & Officer Adriel Torres

In September of 2018, Officer Torsney and Officer Torres, who are assigned to the DPD Airport Police Division, were called to assist a gentleman at the credit union. The man, who we will just call Dustin, is blind and deaf, and he flew to Denver alone in search of some assistance. Officer Torsney and Officer Torres spent hours with Dustin, just trying to find someone who knew him and could further explain his needs. The officers eventually contacted one of Dustin's friends, named Kyle. Kyle knew Dustin's parents and his situation, and was willing to help -- but lives in Texas. Wanting to make sure Dustin got the help he needs, the officers split the cost of a $300 airline ticket to get him safely to his friend and family in Texas.

“Police officers carrying out their normal duties frequently encounter people experiencing challenges or crises, and the officers go out of their way to make a positive difference in their lives,” said Denver Chief of Police Paul Pazen. “Officers’ altruistic acts of kindness often escape the spotlight, so I thank the CAP Board for publicly honoring our officers, as I also extend my gratitude to them for their generosity.”

The CAP Board, consisting of 16 citizen volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients, and present awards. Each award winner receives a pin that is worn on the officer's uniform and a plaque. Nominations for the CAP Award come primarily from letters to the Chief of Police from private citizens commending an officer for their actions while either on or off duty. To submit a nomination directly, letters may be sent to: Citizens Appreciate Police, 1331 Cherokee St. Room 305B, Denver, CO 80204. Nominations can also be emailed directly to the CAP Board atCAPBoardDenver@gmail.com.

Image [L-R] Officer Cheryl Smith, Detective Louis Estrada, Detective Bruce Gibbs, Captain Sylvia Sich, Officer Michael Torsney and Officer Adriel Torres via Denver Police.