Police - News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 1, 2007
CONTACT: Matt Barnett
Public Information Officer
623-930-3276

GLENDALE POLICE HOLD ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

GLENDALE, Ariz. – On Thursday night, September 27th, the Glendale Police held their 2007 awards banquet to honor and recognize the officers and civilians who made a difference in the community during the past year.

MEDAL OF VALOR

The medal of valor is the department’s highest award and may be awarded to employees who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of duty.

2007 Medal of Valor Presented to Officer David Goitia, Officer Richard McLane and Officer Nedd Wilkens
On February 19, 2007 Officer Anthony J. Holly was shot and killed in the line of duty. On this day, the men and women of the Glendale Police Department acted with courage and dignity. Three officers, however, stood apart for their exemplary bravery and heroism. Officer Goitia was on-scene when the shooting occurred and Officers McLane and Wilkens responded to the area immediately upon hearing the call for help. With no regard for their own safety, these three men reacted courageously and professionally and are to be commended for their effort.

PURPLE HEART

Any member of the department who has been seriously, critically or fatally injured while in the direct performance of police duty may be awarded the Purple Heart. The award may be limited to those cases resulting from attack by an assailant, personal combat, or the performance of an act of valor.  
 
2007 Purple Heart Award Presented to Officer Jeremy Esh
Officer Jeremy Esh was shot and seriously wounded by a suspect who ran from a disabled vehicle following a police pursuit early in the morning on Saturday, December 16, 2006. The driver was apprehended at the scene and Officer Esh pursued one of the other fleeing subjects on foot. During the chase, the suspect produced a handgun and fired at least once, striking Officer Esh in the neck. It was through Officer Esh’s sheer determination and inner strength that he was able to overcome the critical injury he sustained. He was back to work within just a few
months. He demonstrated incredible will and character through his actions and has made the Glendale Police Department proud to have him as a member of their team. 
 
2007 Purple Heart Award Presented to the family of Officer Anthony J. Holly
On February 19, 2007 a family lost a son and a brother, a police department lost an exemplary officer and the residents of Glendale, Arizona lost a hero. On this tragic day, a 24 year old Glendale police officer responded to a call for backup for a routine traffic stop. Unfortunately, every officer knows there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop and in the early morning hours of the second Monday in February, Officer Tony Holly gave his life, serving and protecting a community that he loved. For the sacrifice that Tony made and the burden his family must now bear, the department bestows its Purple Heart posthumously to the family of Officer Anthony J. Holly.

2007 Citizen of the Year Presented to Gene Herman
In an outstanding display of bravery and courage, Gene Herman assisted the Glendale Police Department in the apprehension of a robbery suspect at the Arrowhead Mall on November 20, 2006. Mr. Herman pursued the thief and detained him until the Glendale Police Department arrived. The timeliness of his actions and exceptional bravery he displayed that day, prevented others from being injured. Mr. Herman went above and beyond in his efforts and this is reflected by the actions he displayed.