Honoring Distinguished Service in 2023 by Police Personnel
Sunday, March 10, 2024, Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts, West Palm Beach
THE FUND for West Palm Beach Police supports public safety programs that keep the quality of life in the city at the highest level. The Police Awards promote excellence in police performance by honoring distinguished service. Over 300 hundred guests, including police personnel, their spouses, and Donor Members of THE FUND attended a buffet brunch at the Kravis Center followed by a ceremony when police personnel received citations, medals, trophies, and cash awards.
All police personnel were invited as guests of THE FUND. The event was chaired by Bill Bone who also served as Master of Ceremonies in his singular style. The ballroom was fashioned with elegant orchid centerpieces that were given to the officers in attendance. Virginia and John Gildea graciously underwrote the cost of this gift.
Event highlights included an inspirational message by Fund member Joe Plumeri who presented Lifesaving Medals to 10 officers. Recipients were Scott Bales, Jeremy Banks, Paul Creelman, Anthony Goindoo, Demetrius Latham, Nashawn Quinn, Christopher Rekdahl, Deanna Rideau, Christopher Tatumn, and Martin Warshaw.
Al Adelson, Chair of THE FUND, presented THE FUND Award to Rodney Archer; Robert Garvy presented Officer of the Year Award to Officer Eugene Jones; Mayor Keith James presented the Community Outreach Award to Detective Brian McDaniel; Tom Gravina presented the Civilian of the Year Award to Crime Analyst, Nutan Basant Crime Analyst: Patrick Harrison presented the Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award to Emergency Communications Center Supervisor, Candace Pittman; Ned Grace presented the Investigator of the Year Award to Detective Edward Tavcar; and Janice Savin Williams presented the Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award to Strategic Intelligence and Auto Crimes Unit Supervisor Sergeant Jose Matias.
All Award recipients were chosen independently of THE FUND by the Police Awards Committee, chaired by Lt. Sterling Kihei.
Programs sponsored by THE FUND include Cops & Scholars, Run with the Cops, Shop with a Cop, Community Events Trailer, Police Dogs, Tamarind Slam, Holiday Meals, and Operation “PUSH”.
