The Southaven Police Department said its annual awards banquet was held Wednesday night, recognizing officers, dispatchers and support staff who serve the community.
Robbie Walker and Derrick Kinnel were promoted to sergeant, while Bethany Roper was promoted to dispatch supervisor.
Merit awards went to Officers Gerardo Venegas, Matthew Thorne and Alex Vaughn for actions and willingness to respond under life-threatening conditions during a structure fire, with safety and the rescue of possible victims prioritized. Officer Charlie Alexander was recognized for his work as a drone pilot and standardized field sobriety training instructor; the department said he arrested 63 DUI drivers during the last year.
Officer Justin Turner was honored for quickly responding to and apprehending a dangerous fleeing suspect whom the department described as responsible for numerous violent felonies, including capital murder. Officer Matthew Rector received a Lifesaving award for actions the department said helped preserve the life of a victim in a critical traffic incident. Officer Mary Hall received an Administrative Excellence award.
The department recognized five years of service for Captain Brandon Brown, Lieutenant Daviantai Ellington, Sergeant Victoria Jackson, Sergeant Deonta Young, Detective Brian Kerwin, Detective Martice Buckley, Officer Tommy Harris, Officer Gerardo Venegas, Officer Sedrick White, Dispatcher Lily Bonetti and Dispatcher Shay Robison. Hall was recognized for 10 years of service. Fifteen-year honorees were Officer Tim Burnham, Officer William Kjellin, Chief Seth Kern and Clerk Latoya Mabry.
