Recognition & Appreciation

Award Recipients from the Dallas Police Department's Annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet, Friday, February 10th, 2023

2022 Officer of the Year: Ben Purice

The officer selected as Officer of the Year should be an overall outstanding example of a police officer. They should be well rounded in investigations, communication skills, report writing, always working hard and willing to step up.  This should be an overall a prime example of a Dallas Police Officer.

2022 Chief's 212° Award: Heather Taylor

The concept of the “extra degree” was borrowed from a book authored by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson, 212° The Extra Degree. The underlying concepts are basic: at 211° water is hot, but at 212° it boils. With boiling water, comes steam; and steam can power a locomotive. Parker and Anderson’s book described how, raising the temperature of water by one extra degree means the difference between something that is simply very hot—and something that generates enough force to power a machine. 

2022 Outstanding Investigator: Jordan Shrock

The Outstanding Investigator Award nomination should go to the person who does an outstanding job with their daily investigations.  This might be someone who went above and beyond to ensure that the case was investigated to the fullest extent, made excellent decisions in how/what evidence to collect, did a good job interviewing, or other such investigative skills.

2022 Community Involvement Award: Brittney Crocker

The Community Involvement Award recognizes direct and engaged community involvement.  It can include various Community Policing efforts; someone who goes above and beyond to engage and build rapport with the Citizens of Dallas; Participates in community groups outside of work such as sitting on committees; Engages in youth sports coaching or other youth activities

2022 Volunteer of the Year: Austin Lee

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer who donates their time to the department, selflessly. This is someone who shows they are a team player, adaptable to the department’s needs, and overall has a positive attitude. This might be someone who shows initiative outside of their normal role and excels with their dedication to the department. A volunteer is someone who contributes their time to an organization or group for free. Normally, in return, a volunteer may gain work experience or broaden their skills to advance their professional resume; however, this year's Volunteer of the Year has not expected anything in return for their time. This volunteer is selfless, kind and concerned more with the needs and wishes of others in the community and in our department. This volunteer has excelled in more ways than one; they are consistent, offer an open mind and are willing to assist outside their normal duties, and overall have a positive attitude and presence in the office. 

2022 Life Saving Award: Officer Jane Burke and Officer Jay Fox 

On November 1, 2022, Officer Jane Burke and Sergeant Colby Hamilton responded to a report of a male lying on a sidewalk who had reportedly fallen and stuck his head. Officer Burke arrived first and immediately started chest compressions. Officer Burke’s quick reaction and application of the appropriate care (CPR) prior to the arrival of medics contributed to the victim’s welfare. On December 31, 2022, Officer Jay Fox responded to the Best Western Hotel on a report that a male subject had fallen down the stairs, cut himself on scissors and was fading in and out of consciousness. Officer Fox applied his tourniquet to the male’s arm and cared for him until medics arrived and assumed care. Medics confirmed that the quick action of Officer Fox likely contributed to the victim’s survival.