Zephyrhills Police Department Names 2021 Officer Of Year

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — The Zephyrhills Police Department held its annual awards and recognition ceremony Thursday at the Zephyrhills City Hall Council Chambers.

Led by Zephyrhills Chief of Police Derek Brewer, the event spotlights the feats and accomplishments of members of the Zephyrhills Police Department from the previous year.

2021 Officer Of The Year

Officer Pedro Miliano received the 2021 Officer of the Year award. In a very short time, Miliano has displayed a high degree of professionalism and proficiency while carrying out his duties. His level of problem-solving and attention to detail far exceeds the expectation of a one-year officer. His positive attitude is infectious, and he is always committed and ready to take on his daily responsibilities.

2021 Employee of the Year

Lisa Jones received the Employee of the Year award, presented to non-sworn personnel who've displayed a high degree of professionalism. Jones always has a positive attitude, is hard-working, and is always willing to assist anyone. She is proficient and has a high level of competency, but she is constantly seeking ways to gain more knowledge. In her 1 1/2 years with the department, she has been a model employee. Her dedication to the department and its mission is easily recognized through her work ethic and daily interactions with coworkers and visitors.

2021 Volunteer of the Year

Gwendolyn Beasley was named the Volunteer of the Year. Two times a day, Beasley safely directs and assists children at the busy school zone of West Zephyrhills Elementary School. While on duty, "Aunt Gwen" promotes positivity to every student and goes beyond her duties by teaching students traffic and pedestrian safety. She is beloved by students, parents and school staff.

2021 Life-Saving Award

Officers Steven Chimeri and Rocco DeSio received the 2021 Life-Saving award, given to an employee whose actions are directly responsible for saving a life.

On Nov. 25, 2021, Chimeri was traveling west on C Avenue and saw a person hanging over the guardrail by Zephyr Park. Inspecting further, He noticed the man was discolored and had no pulse. DeSio arrived on the scene and performed chest compressions while Chimeri resumed pulse and breathing aid.

The man was later taken to the hospital, where he fully recovered.

2021 Distinguished Performance Award

Sgt. John Oleson received the Distinguished Performance award.

On Aug. 25, day shift officers were dispatched to the railroad tracks by Chancey Road following a call about a suicidal man with a firearm. Oleson arrived on the scene and, remaining calm and composed, convinced the man to place the firearm on the ground, showing extraordinary awareness in using de-escalation techniques to prevent a potential use-of-force incident.

2021 Chief's Award

Stephanie Nelson and Sandra Waters received the Chief's Award.

Stephanie Nelson fills many roles within her unit of the department. She has extensive experience and knowledge that has been passed onto members of her team. She has been a mentor to many within the agency.

Despite the number of extra duties she takes on, she never hesitates to roll up her sleeves to get the job done. Her work ethic, knowledge and motivation to help others, set her apart.

Sandra Waters has been a staple at the department for many years. She has worked under the tenure of five police chiefs and has been a part of the evolution of the agency for 23 years, with hard work and dedication. She's considered the Google of the agency, given her knowledge and experience. While she is being recognized for the Chief's Award, this could also be considered a Lifetime Achievement award.

Meantime, other ZPD personnel were spotlighted for assignments, tenure, safe driving, perfect attendance, employee recognition, Unit Citation SRT/CID and communications.