UA, University Police hold first-ever awards ceremony

The Division of Public Safety headquarters at 4040 Chestnut Street was bustling with more law-enforcement officers than usual last night. The crowd was gathered for the annual police awards ceremony, which honored more than 20 officers and detectives with awards for their bravery and success on the police force. Managing Director of Public Safety Tom Seamon, Director of Police Operations Maureen Rush, Det. Commander Tom King and Special Services Director Susan Hawkins were among those present to honor the officers. The Undergraduate Assembly and Penn Watch, the University's student-run town-watch group, also presented three University Police officers with awards for their commitment to the Penn community. Outgoing UA Chairperson and College junior Noah Bilenker said the UA designed the awards this year in order "to do something positive" for the police force. "The UA has worked well with the police in the past," Bilenker said. "We wanted to replace the negativity that comes out so easily with awards -- with recognition -- for a change." Honorees included police officers David Carroll, Casandra Park and David Ball, all of whom were chosen from student nominations. Carroll, named a "protector, counselor and, most importantly, our friend" in the award, said he was honored that Penn students thought of him with "so much respect." "It makes me feel good about going to work," said Carroll, 34. "It's good that students know they have a friend wearing a badge that can help them with their problems." Carroll, who is in his fourth year at the University, is also a Dynamics of Organization graduate student. He received two other awards, both for apprehending crimes in progress. Park received her award, but immediately returned to work. Ball was not present at the ceremony. Executive Vice President John Fry, who oversees Public Safety, had only compliments for the UA and Penn Watch for their innovation. "The undergraduate awards were a wonderful idea," he said. "We need to have more of this kind of initiative." Bilenker and Engineering sophomore Mark Sullivan of Penn Watch said they hoped the undergraduate awards would be part of the ceremony every year. Many other officers and detectives received awards for successfully aiding in crime prevention. And attendees gave Capt. John Richardson, who will retire April 15, a standing ovation for completing 41 years in law enforcement. Six new officers -- five male and one female -- were sworn into the force before the award ceremony began. Seamon welcomed the new officers, saying they would be working for "one of the best police departments in the region." "This is the police department of the future," he said. "We are five years ahead of everyone else."

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