Mount Pleasant Police Department 2023 Annual Award Recipients

 

Mount Pleasant Police Department 2023
Annual Award Recipients 

Community Outreach Award

As an executive leader within this organization, this Captain leads from the front when it comes to community outreach. A few of the community events that he has overseen are Shop with a Cop, Overdose Awareness Day, Toys for Tots, etc. Not only does he expect other leaders under his span of control to embrace the community police model, but he lives it every day. For this, Captain Carter is receiving the Community Outreach Award.

This officer always has a positive attitude when working within the community. Always going above and beyond to ensure that events are a great success. This officer has participated in the Special Olympics and most recently Shop with a Cop. Her positive attitude paired with her dedication to the community puts a positive lens on the department as well as builds a stronger working relationship with the community. For this, SPO Kopp is receiving the Community Outreach Award.

Two officers together have become mentors to the Mount Pleasant Police Department Explorer Post. They often give up their off duty time to help train and teach those that are interested in the Law Enforcement path. From assisting with the Summer SCALE Competition to teaching SWAT Principles, PFC Hill and CPL Bayles has proved to have a positive impact on the future generations of law enforcement. For these reasons, PFC Hill and CPL Bayles are receiving the Community Outreach Award.

Guardian Award

On December 17, 2023, our town was hit by an enormous storm front that caused massive flooding. After receiving a 911 call about an elderly female that was trapped in her vehicle after being submerged in a retention pond, two of our officers responded. Their instant decision to swim out at their own peril to save a citizen of this town exemplifies exactly what our mission statement says. For their actions, SGT Stafford and PFC Byrne are receiving the Guardian Award.

Civilian of the Year

Wearing different hats during a shift, these four individuals have proven themselves this year as hard workers and a great benefit to the department. From directing traffic at school, towing trailers, assisting with the explorer program, they have grown over the last year and continue to look for opportunities to serve. For these reasons, all Community Service Officers are receiving the Civilian of the Year Award- Cole Googe, Matthew Iannuzzi, William McMullen and John Walter.

Rookie of the Year

This officers thirst for knowledge is apparent. When he isn’t working patrol, he is seen assisting with the Explorers Program, Honor Guard, involved with the K9 unit and most recently showed interest in SWAT. He is a recent recipient of the Bronze Hero Award from South Carolina Department of Public Safety. As a new officer, he has clearly set himself apart from the rest and is often looked upon as a leader. For these reasons, Patrol Officer Trent Hill is Rookie of the Year.

 

School Resource Officer of the Year

This officer continues to take the initiative to further his knowledge by taking numerous courses for certifications. He is typically the first to volunteer, even when the assignments are less than desirable. Aside from his daily routine, this SRO volunteered to manage the Criminal Justice Club within his school where he coordinates with the specialized units to educate the students. For these reasons, School Resource Officer Kane is receiving the SRO Of the Year Award

Investigator of the Year

This investigator makes managing work and home life look too easy. While assisting with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children, she’s also able to balance keeping her regular cases up to date and her home life as her husband works for the United States Coast Guard. She has a positive attitude and is always willing to help those around her. She recently received the second highest award for investigators from the Unites States Secret Service, The Directors Award. For these reasons, Detective Desiree Schnackenberg is Investigator of the Year.

Traffic Officer of the Year

Although assigned to the Traffic Unit, this officer exemplifies how a well-rounded officer should look like. Maintain her regular traffic responsibilities, she also is part of the CIRT and Drone Team. She has helped with multiple community events such as Shop with a Cop, Toys for Tots as well as being a vital asset to helping teach at the Charleston Southern University. When she’s out of uniform, she serves in a different way by participating in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Autism Awareness Walk, school supply drives and even knitting blankets for preemie babies in the NICU. For these reasons, Patrol Officer Michaela Capers is Traffic Officer of the Year.

Police Officer of the Year

In 2023, Mount Pleasant Police Department was recognized by other agencies for our quick transition from Glock 40 to 9 mm. This was able to be accomplished by the help of this officer coordinating specifically with Glock, setting up and instructing range days and reaching out to multiple contacts to trade ammo. Additionally, this officer’s ensures that all precertified officers are prepared for their cumulative at the academy and oversees the drone team which is a vital tool used to help the public. For these reasons, Field Training Officer David Triana is Officer of the Year.

Supervisor of the Year

While newest of the supervisors, this supervisor’s maturity and growth over the last year was seen throughout the department. Managing the Athletics Committee paired with the responsibilities of being a team leader is always challenging, however he never failed to constantly encourage his team to stay motivated and hungry for improvement. For these reasons, Sergeant Charles Stafford is Supervisor of the Year.