Mercer Island Police Officers Honored in Annual Awards Ceremony

The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) held its annual awards ceremony at City Hall on Feb. 17 in recognition of individual achievements of officers — including Officer of the Year — as well as other City staff and departments for significant contributions to the mission of the police force.

"All the recipients this year certainly earned them, as they have in the past," said MIPD Chief Ed Holmes.

The awards were divided into two categories: recognition conferred by police senior staff, and those elected to the honor by the entire police department.

Of the awards chosen by the entire police force, Officer Michael Vickers was chosen as Officer of the Year, Marine Patrol Technician Greg Levinson was chosen as Support Employee of the Year, and Sgt. Ryan Parr was named Supervisor of the Year.

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting Chief Holmes recounted Ofc. Vickers' dedication to serving others with a story about saving a man's life last year in Sammamish while he was off-duty. The man was reportedly suffering from a heart attack when Vickers came to his aid and administered CPR, and the police officer was later recognized by Sammamish Police and Eastside Fire and Rescue.

"It's a pleasure having him on our staff," said Holmes.

The following awards were given to honor service excellence among officers and other City staff:

• Members of the Parks and Recreation Maintenance Department received a certificate of appreciation for their assistance during the past year.
• Officers Michael Vickers, Rob Jira, and Mike Seifert were awarded letters of recognition for their assistance to the emergency management and preparedness program.
• Officer Shawn Griffin received a certificate of appreciation for his work in the Eastside Narcotics Task Force over the past five years.
• Sergeant Marc Marcroft and Officer Chris DeChant received letters of recognition for a marine patrol response during Seafair.
• Commander's Awards (for excellent work during 2011) went to Sgt. Jeff Magnan, Sgt. Keith McDonough, Sgt. Brian Noel, Corporal Dave Herzog, and records specialists Jolene Maggard and Kelly Donnelly.