UTSA Police Department holds annual awards ceremony
The UTSA Police Department (UTSAPD) recently held its annual awards ceremony to recognize officers, staff and community members who provided exemplary service over the past year, as well as those celebrating recent retirements and milestone service anniversaries.
This year, UTSAPD recognized:
“Dan Pena” Officer of the Year – Ofc. Hunter Westbrook
Rookie Officer of the Year – Ofc. Lauren Duff
Public Safety Officer of the Year – PSO George Dilworth
New Employee of the Year – PSO Frank Irek
Student Employee of the Year – Melanie Stanton
Employee of the Year – Leobardo Flores
Supervisor of the Year – Al Ballew
Cpl. Isaiah Garcia presented with the department’s Courage Award
Innovation Award – Leandro Rodriguez
Community Engagement Award – Dubelsa Villarreal & Lizette Martinez
Ryne Medina (x2)
Det. Tiffany Marsh
Ofc. Joseph Waelbroeck
In addition to those listed above, a Golden Whistle Award went to Mike Davis, assistant professor of instruction for UTSA’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The Golden Whistle is UTSAPD’s top award, which honors individuals who provided a service either to the police department or the community that had a direct impact on public safety.
Cpl. Isaiah Garcia was presented with the department’s Courage Award. The Courage Award, a special honor, is given to an employee who displays the quality of mind that enables them to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear.
The department also expressed their appreciation to UT Health San Antonio for their continued support and partnership throughout 2022.
Additionally, UTSAPD also presented the inaugural UTSA Business Affairs Quarterly Award in Public Safety, now known as the “Public Safety Rowdy Award” to PSO Juan Martinez and Ofc. Eric Rubio.
