Chief John Drake recently announced the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) Employees of the Year for 2024, acknowledging ten individuals for their outstanding dedication and service. These honorees have demonstrated exceptional commitment, from apprehending dangerous felons to engaging with vulnerable children and aiding colleagues with family medical issues. Their efforts underscore the dedication of the MNPD to the Nashville community.
Chief Drake expressed his gratitude, stating, “These annual ceremonies remind us of the incredible public safety work performed by our employees daily. I am thankful to our entire police department team and their families who support them. They are special people who consistently work through the sacrifices that come with law enforcement careers.”
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The 2024 honorees include:
– **Detective Adam Reese** from the Homicide Unit was named Investigative Services Bureau Investigator of the Year. Detective Reese’s year-long investigation into the poisoning death of Jade Benning and her unborn child led to the indictment of her boyfriend, Blaise Taylor, on two counts of first-degree murder.
– **Officers Brandon Pedigo and Cameron Van Der Merwe** from the West Precinct were honored as Community Services Bureau Patrol Officers of the Year. Their swift action resulted in the apprehension of a 15-year-old murder suspect shortly after a fatal shooting in Bellevue.
– **Detective Steven Powers** from the Midtown Hills Precinct earned recognition as Community Services Bureau Investigator of the Year. His investigative efforts led to the identification of juveniles involved in a series of commercial burglaries, resulting in charges against four juveniles.
– **Officer Dawn Thornsberry** from the East Precinct was named Community Engagement Officer of the Year. Her outreach work at East Nashville’s Martha O’Bryan Center has made her a valued community member, helping ensure safety and identify suspected lawbreakers.
– **Officer William Waters**, **Tactical Flight Officer Graham Binkley**, **Canine Officer Ryan Coll**, and **Officer Thomas Smith** were recognized as Support Services Bureau Officers of the Year. They successfully apprehended five individuals involved in a shooting at an undercover detective, with assistance from an MNPD helicopter.
– **Ms. Melissa White** from Human Resources was honored as Professional Support Employee of the Year. Her professionalism in guiding employees through the Family Medical Leave process has been invaluable to the MNPD.
The ceremony was a testament to the dedication and bravery of MNPD personnel and their impact on the Nashville community.
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Online Reporting Boosts Nashville Police Efficiency
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department improved its operational efficiency by implementing an online reporting system for non-emergency incidents, saving over 22,000 officer hours in 2024. This system, which began for crash incidents in August 2022 and expanded to minor offenses in December 2023, allows officers to focus on critical community issues. The initiative is part of MNPD’s efforts to enhance public safety in Nashville. For more information, individuals can visit the MNPD resources like interactive crime maps and reporting options for aggressive driving or criminal activity through the Nashville Hub: Interactive Crime Maps, Report Aggressive Driver, Report Criminal Activity.