Dayton police present awards to officers, units
The annual Dayton Police Department awards ceremony was presented July 24 without its usual community audience, but the honors carried their customary importance to the city’s law enforcement professionals and the residents they serve.
The awards recognize Dayton police personnel demonstrating exceptional bravery, dedication to duty and commitment to the community, and were presented by Chief Richard Biehl, DPD command staff, and the event’s master of ceremonies, Elyse Coulter, of Dayton 24/7 Now.
The ceremony did not include awards honoring the heroic actions that took place the night of the Oregon District shooting Aug. 4, 2019, or for the response during and after the mortal wounding of Detective Jorge Del Rio. Those honors will be presented later.
Officer of the year: Detective Nathan Curley
During 2019-20, Det. Curley was recognized with written commendations four times, including for his work on a gun store break-in, where his diligence led to recovery of stolen weapons.
Unit citations: East Patrol Community Problem Response Team
West Patrol Community Problem Response Team
Crash Reconstruction Unit Special Weapons and Tactics Team
Hostage Negotiations Team
Award of Merit recipients: Officers J. Berger, J. Brown, B. Camden, B. Halley, J. Hemmelgarn, D. Letlow, J. Luckoski, G. Mills, S. Olinger, D. O’Neill, C.
Smith (Ret.), C. Staples
Detectives M. Boyes, N. Curley, J. Ellis, M. Gray, A. Sawmiller Sgt. Z. Banks, Sgt. S. Clark, Lt. R. Beane, Lt. M. Beavers, Lt. A. Gillig,
Major J. Wiesman
Professional staff member of the year: C. Jones, payroll department.