Cpl. John Spala Is TTPD Officer Of The Year

Cpl. John Spala, of the , has been named the department’s 2010 Police Officer of the Year.

TTPD Capt. Mike Pridemore announced the distinction at the Temple Terrace City Council meeting on June 7.

“He is truly one of our most valuable employees,” Pridemore said.

Spala, 40, has been a Temple Terrace police officer for 20 years. He is team leader of the department’s Crisis Response Team and supervisor of the agency’s Traffic Fatality Unit. In order to ensure his teams are top-notch, he is always on the look-out for advanced equipment and training.

“During the past year, Cpl. Spala’s performance has eclipsed that of his peers, officials said in presenting the award,” according to a press release issued by Mike Dunn, the city’s public information officer. “He is an integral member of the police force and devotes much of his time to the success and improvement of the department.”

Spala said he accepted the award not only for himself but also for his entire department.

“Thanks for this distinction,” he said June 7. “It’s an honor.”