_ Troy Police Celebrate Police Week During the week of May 10 through May 16, the Troy Police Department will celebrate Police Week. The Department will pay tribute to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty as well as honor those who currently serve. Events include a Police Memorial Day ceremony on May 14 and an open house on May 16. The Police Memorial Day ceremony will take place on May 14 at 10 AM in the circle drive of the Troy Police Department, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. Anyone who would like to show support to fallen officers, as well as those currently serving, is welcome to attend. On May 16, from 10 AM to 5 PM, the Department will host an open house. The event will feature building tours, K9 demonstrations, child fingerprinting, bike registration, and police vehicle displays. Anyone is welcome to attend. A private awards ceremony will also be held during the week to honor outstanding achievements by members of the Troy Police Department. Honored this year as Officer of the Year is Officer Janice Pokley. The Command Officer of the Year is Sergeant Scott Smith and the Non-Sworn Employee of the Year is Paula Bratto. Chief Gary Mayer stated, It is important that we recognize the officers that have come before us, put their lives on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities. He continued, We would be honored to have the public join us this week for both the ceremony and the open house. During this week, the officers of the Troy Police Department will take extra time to remember the three Troy officers that have died in the line of duty. On December 11, 1969, Officer Charles Smetana was killed in a car crash while driving to help citizens involved in an injury accident. On April 22, 1974, Officer Martin Chivas was shot and killed by burglars while investigating a burglary in progress. On September 11, 2001, Officer Charles Mulvihill died when he suffered apparent heart failure while responding to a call for service.
_ Troy Police Announce Officer of the Year The Troy Police Department is pleased to announce the selection of Officer Janice Pokley as the 2014 Police Officer of the Year. Officer Pokley has contributed to the Department in a number of significant ways during her 20 years at the Department. Officer Pokley began her career with the Troy Police Department in 1995 as a road patrol officer. In 2001, Officer Pokley joined the Investigations Section as a juvenile detective where she handled difficult cases involving children as victims and perpetrators of crime. In 2012, Officer Pokley joined the Community Services Section of the Department. Chief Gary Mayer stated, Janice is a great representative of the Troy Police Department and we are proud to have her act as the face of Troy PD as she interacts with so many different citizens in her duties. As a Community Services Officer, Officer Pokley s focus is to reach out to the community and help prevent crime through various education efforts. Officer Pokley is frequently in the schools presenting programs such as Got Caught about the consequences of shoplifting, Choose Wisely about making good choices and Safety with Strangers about personal safety for kids. In addition, Officer Pokley also spends considerable time planning, organizing and participating in many community programs. In 2014, Officer Pokley was involved in a variety of programs including the annual Safety Bowl to honor school safeties, the Department s Shop with a Cop holiday program for needy families and the Safety Town summer program for kids. Officer Pokley has received numerous positive citizen thank you cards from community members for her work. Officer Pokley is known for her professionalism, work ethic and consistent commitment to excellence in her duties. The Troy Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Janice Pokley as the 2014 Officer of the Year.
_ Troy Police Announce Command Officer of the Year The Troy Police Department is pleased to announce the selection of Sergeant Scott Smith as the 2014 Command Officer of the Year. Sergeant Smith has contributed to the Department in a number of significant ways throughout his 20 year career with the Troy Police Department. Sergeant Smith joined the Troy Police Department in 1995 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012. During his career, Sergeant Smith has served on the Tactical Support Team, the Special Investigations Unit, the Directed Patrol Unit and the Traffic Safety Unit. Presently, Sergeant Smith works as a road patrol sergeant on the afternoon shift. Sergeant Smith coordinates the Field Training Officer (FTO) program as part of his duties. This involves managing the training of all new officers hired by the Department. In 2014, the Police Department hired nine new officers and Sergeant Smith was instrumental in helping these officers become successful and confident members of the Department. Chief Gary Mayer stated, Scott s role as the FTO supervisor is extremely important and he does a great job. He is helping to shape the future of Troy PD with the training of new officers. Sergeant Smith also brings tactical expertise to his position and acted as the on-scene supervisor for several tactical situations over the last year. In February 2015, for instance, Sergeant Smith coordinated the police response to a situation involving a barricaded subject with a hostage. Sergeant Smith and assisting officers were able resolve the situation peacefully with the release of the hostage and apprehension of the suspect. The Troy Police Department is proud to recognize Sergeant Scott Smith as the 2014 Command Officer of the Year.
_ Troy Police Announce Non-Sworn Employee of the Year The Troy Police Department is pleased to announce the selection of Paula Bratto as the 2014 Non-Sworn Employee of the Year. Ms. Bratto has contributed to the Department in a number of significant ways throughout her six year career with the Troy Police Department. Ms. Bratto joined the Police Department in 2009 as a Secretary. Ms. Bratto previously worked in the Planning Department for the City of Troy, since 1996. Ms. Bratto handles the administrative assistant duties for both the Training Section and the Community Services Section of the Department. Chief Gary Mayer stated, Paula is an extremely efficient and effective employee. We are able to turn projects over to her and she will exceed our expectations. Ms. Bratto has established herself as a vital part of the Training Section. She is responsible for scheduling, tracking and recording training for all Department employees. In 2014, the Department hosted 40 outside agency training courses and 30 sessions of in-house training. Paula keeps records of every training class, including attendance rosters, instructor information and program costs. Ms. Bratto also handles responsibilities related to the Department s commercial and residential alarm program. She processes requests for procedural information and guides callers through the registration process. In recognition of her outstanding work ethic and attention to detail, the Troy Police Department is proud to recognize Paula Bratto as 2014 Non-Sworn Employee of the Year.
_ AWARD PHOTOS Command Officer of the Year Sergeant Scott Smith Officer of the Year Officer Janice Pokley
_ Non-Sworn Employee of the Year Ms. Paula Bratto