On Wednesday, March 6th the Marana Police Department held their annual awards ceremony. The event recognized police officers, volunteers, and civilians who contributed to the mission of providing unparalleled service, unwavering protection, and uncompromised integrity.
Officer Randy Korth was named Officer of the Year, Jennifer Mangialardi was named Civilian of the Year, and Guy Shaw was named Volunteer of the Year. In addition, Officer Abel Samano and Officer Neil Jordan were promoted to sergeant, eight officers were sworn in to service, and members of the Town's Technology Services Department and Public Works Department were awarded Letters of Commendation for their work on the new police facility.
Officer of the Year-recipient Officer Korth has continually displayed a high level of performance and commitment that greatly exceeds expectations for the Marana Police Department. As a Field Training Officer, he trains, guides, and mentors new police officers and recruits. He understands the importance of this role and the impact he has on their careers. He is actively involved in the development of the field training curriculum and evaluation process of the program.
Korth continued his involvement as an instructor in advanced officer trainings, was the facilitator for the GOHS Warrant Grant, and scheduled a total of eight warrant sweep deployments throughout the year. In 2018, the GOHS Warrant Grant resulted in approximately 200 warrants being served totaling approximately $115,000 in bonds.
Civilian of the Year-recipient Mangialardi won her award not only for her duties as the Administrative Supervisor to Police Chief Terry Rozema, but for her role in planning the annual awards ceremony and department Christmas party. This year, she undertook an endeavor to find a Marana family in need for MPD to adopt during the holidays. She coordinated the donation of toys, clothes, and money for a family comprised of a single mother and her four children living in a 400 square foot house in west Marana.
Shaw earned the Volunteer of the Year award for undertaking a number of roles in his six years as a volunteer. He most recently served as Treasurer of the MPD VIP’s. This past year Shaw made significant contributions to the Marana Police Department by securing a $5000 grant from the Pima County Attorney’s Office for its Child Car Seat Program. He has been an instrumental organizer for the annual Pride 4 the Patch charity golf tournament, which has raised over thousands of dollars the past three years. This past year he volunteered over 415 hours.
Thirteen officers and civilian staff received the Citation of Excellence, including ten who dealt with a man brandishing a gun at the Starbucks at Arizona Pavilions. MPD was able to work with the store manager to discretely evacuate as many customers and employees as possible. Eventually the man was taken into custody without incident, but with the ever present potential of an active shooter, officers had to consistently evaluate the risk to the employees and public while assessing the situation. The coordinated efforts between the officers, dispatch, and Starbucks manager contributed to sound tactical decisions and evacuation that resulted in a peaceful resolution.
For her efforts, Store Manager Teri Lewis was awarded a Chief’s Letter of Commendation.
Officer Caylee Baker received a Citation of Excellence for her role in apprehending a mail thief who was stealing and cashing checks from the mail. Officer Jared Voigt earned his Citation of Excellence for locating stolen jewelry, and not only returning it to the owner. LPO John Pathammavong received his Citation of Excellence for his training and mentoring of newer officers, especially those he was serving with on the midnight squad.
Officer Luis Magana and Officer Esteban Norzagaray were awarded the Life Saver Award for their actions last March when they were able to save the life of a man who attempted to commit suicide.
Officers Gave Tapia and Abel Samano were awarded the Medal of Valor for their roles in locating a bank robber who was deemed to be armed and dangerous.
Dispatcher Sheila Blevins was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of communications within the Marana Police Department. It is not uncommon for surrounding police agencies to call on Sheila for assistance and input for their communication and dispatching systems. This past year, Sheila played a critical role in the Marana Police Department’s integration into PCWIN; which allows our dispatchers and officers to have radio interoperability with surrounding agencies in emergency situations.
Officer Brian Neuman earned the Distinguished Service Award for his leadership. He is a General Instructor, Field Training Officer, Phlebotomist, and is HGN certified. He serves as an instructor for High Risk Stops for AOT. He continues to demonstrate his abilities as a knowledgeable officer, and completed the advanced accident reconstruction school through Northwestern University. This has given him the opportunity to become a lead accident Reconstructionist for serious and fatal collisions
Grace Neal has served over 29 years as a Marana Police Dispatcher and was awarded the . Distinguished Service Award. During her career she has served in a variety of roles and has received numerous certifications and training. Such roles have included; being a training dispatcher, Lead Dispatcher, and at times, has been appointed the acting supervisor of the unit. She has been awarded Dispatcher of the Year through the Association of Public Safety Communications.
Tina Destefano was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. During her 23-year career as a Marana Police Dispatcher she has served in a variety of roles including; being a training dispatcher, Lead Dispatcher, and at times, has been appointed the acting supervisor of the unit. To this day she receives letters of appreciation from citizens who have appreciated her ability to communicate in a calming manner when they are in distress. Tina was also awarded Dispatcher of the Year through the Association of Public Safety Communications.
A pair of MPD Sergeants earned the Medal of Merit. Steve Johnson was awarded the medal for his role as a Homeland Security and Emergency Management expert, while Jose Alvarez was awarded the medal for his role in keeping illegal narcotics off the streets with the Street Level Squad of the Counter Narcotics Alliance. Over his three-year assignment at CNA, Sgt. Alvarez and the Street Level Squad was responsible for the seizure of over $173,000 and $134,000 worth of vehicles seized.
Officer Luis Magana and Officer Esteban Norzagaray were awarded the Life Saver Award for their actions last March when they were able to save the life of a man who attempted to commit suicide.
Officers Gave Tapia and Abel Samano were awarded the Medal of Valor for their roles in locating a bank robber who was deemed to be armed and dangerous.
Three members of the Town of Marana Technology Services Department and three members of the Town’s Facilities Management Division of the Public Works Department were awarded Commendation Letters for their work on the new Marana Police Facility. Mike Perez, Dan Bejarano, and Joseph Mooney were the recipients from Technology Services, while Brendan O’Connor, Lee Boyett, and Jason Flood were honored from Facilities.
