Awards and Recognition
The University of Georgia Police Department experienced a great deal of success in its core mission of protecting and providing professional and dedicated public service to the University community during 2008. The courage and integrity that has become the standard for UGA Police Officers was exemplified during 2008 by several officers whose actions drew praise from both their fellow officers and the University community alike. The University of Georgia Police Department recognizes these substantial achievements and congratulates these officers for their excellent work.
Uniformed Officer of the Year
The Uniformed Officer of the Year Award is presented to the Patrol Officer who best represents the work ethic and attitude that our uniformed officers exhibit, based on the opinion of his or her peers and supervisors. This year’s recipient, Corporal Jimmy Simons, is shown here accepting his certificate from Chief Jimmy Williamson.
Communications Officer of the Year
The Communications Officer of the Year Award recipient is also chosen by peers and supervisors within the department and recognizes the Communications employee who best represents the standards of the Communications Division. The 2008 recipient is veteran Senior Communications Officer Robbie Burton, shown here accepting his certificate from Chief Williamson.
Admin / Support Employee of the Year
The Admin / Support employee of the Year Award is presented to the non-sworn support staff member selected by his or her peers for excellence in providing a number of functions that aren’t always apparent on a daily basis. Mary Stephens is shown here receiving congratulations from Chief Williamson on her fourth consecutive selection for the award.
Plain Clothes Officer of the Year
The Plain Clothes Officer of the Year Award is given to the officer assigned to a non-patrol function such as the Criminal Investigations Division or the Western Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force. The 2008 recipient is Officer Brandon Cain. Officer Cain was unable to attend the annual awards ceremony.
Public Safety Employee of the Year
The Public Safety Employee of the Year Award is given to the Police employee who best demonstrates the overall honor, integrity and professionalism that each and every University of Georgia Police Department employee strives to exhibit. Corporal Johnny Seawright, seen here with Chief Williamson, was selected as the 2008 recipient.
Life Saving Awards
On occasion, University of Georgia Police Officers are challenged with the task of dealing with life threatening situations. The officers recognized for 2008 put their own health and safety aside when confronted with two such situations this past summer. In the early morning hours of June 27, 2008 Cpl. Jeremy Densmore attempted to make contact with an individual acting suspiciously in a parking lot on campus. The individual ran from the area and attempted to climb a fence to avoid apprehension. The individual’s actions resulted in life threatening laceration injuries. Cpl. Densmore, Cpl. Johnny Seawright, Sgt. Joe Webber and Ofc. Jason Kelley risked their own health and safety to prevent further injury to the victim and stop blood loss that could have easily taken his life. Because of these actions, a life was saved. The University of Georgia Police Department is proud to present these Officers with the prestigious Life Saving Award. The award recipients are shown below receiving their medals from Chief Williamson.
Pictured left to right, Ofc. Jason Kelley, Cpl. Jeremy Densmore, Cpl. Johnny Seawright, Sgt. Joe Webber and Chief Williamson.
On the morning of August 29, 2008 Ms. Rachel Zgrabik and Mr. David Chandler, both of whom are trainers for the University of Georgia Athletic Association, happened upon an apparent heart attack victim who had collapsed near the Georgia Center as they drove on Carlton Street. Ms. Zgrabik and Mr. Chandler did not hesitate to stop and offer their help. As Mr. Chandler prepared to use an AED device on the victim, Ms. Zgrabik and former Officer Cynthia Whitehead administered CPR on the victim until EMS arrived. The quick and selfless actions of these individuals were no doubt crucial in the overall effort to save his life. The University of Georgia Police Department is proud to present these outstanding University employees with the prestigious Life Saving Award. The award recipients are shown below receiving their medals from Chief Williamson.
Pictured left to right: Ms. Rachel Zgrabik, Mr. David Chandler, Officer Cynthia Whitehead and Chief Williamson.
Other Recognition
The University of Georgia Police Department would also like to recognize several individuals who have excelled in the area of firearms proficiency over the course of 2008. The University of Georgia Police Department is proud of the hard work and training put in by these Officers in this crucial area of performance. The officers listed below achieved a combined average for all firearms qualifications of 90% or higher for the year:
| Cpl. Andrews | Ofc. Herdman | Cpl. Peacock | Cpl. Sparrow |
| SPO Blake | Cpl. Kuykendall | Ofc. Ponder | Cpl. Taylor |
| Ofc. Cain | Ofc. Mahaney | Ofc. Rankin | Sgt. Tipton |
| Cpl. Chavez | Cpl. McIntosh | Ofc. Rice | Sgt. Walls |
| Ofc. Cockburn | Sgt. Montgomery | Ofc. Robinson | Sgt. Weems |
| Cpl. Densmore | SPO Mortensen | Ofc. Rowell | Sgt. Williams |
| Ofc. Forschler | Ofc. Norwood | Cpl. Seawright | Cpl. Winham |
| Sgt. Fouche | Sgt. Page | Ofc. Shuman | Mr. Mike York |
| Sgt. Gregory | Sgt. Parrish | Ofc. Slayton | |
Each year, the officer who has the highest combined average during annual firearms qualifications is awarded the Top Gun Award. This year’s recipient, Corporal Joshua Sparrow, is shown here receiving his certificate from Head Firearms Instructor Lieutenant Wes Huff. Corporal Sparrow scored with 100% accuracy for the year during 2008 qualifications.
Sherm Applebaum Award
The Sherm Applebaum Award is presented by the Athens Rotary Club each year in recognition of outstanding efforts by members of the Athens-Clarke County law enforcement community. Finalists for the award are chosen from among the various law enforcement agencies throughout the county. The 2009 recipient, Sgt. Adam Fouche, is shown here with Chief Jimmy Williamson