Ten Denver Police Officers Receive Citizens Appreciate Police Award for Acts of Kindness

Today, the nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized 10 Denver Police officers for going beyond the call of duty to help members of our community. Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes Denver police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 400 officers have received the CAP award. The officers honored today are:
 

• Officer Alicia Martinez
  
• Officer Monique Sedberry

 
Officer Monique Sedberry was dispatched to a southwest Denver school on a report that a student was being bullied. On that call, she befriended the young man named Victor. Victor is legally blind and was being teased by other students for his vision impairment. Since that initial meeting, Officer Sedberry has maintained their friendship, visiting Victor at home on a regular basis and introducing him to other officers. As the new school year approached, Officer Sedberry and Officer Alicia Martinez learned that Victor’s family was struggling to equip him and his four siblings with school supplies for the year. So, the crime-fighting duo bought five backpacks, loaded them up with various school supplies and delivered them to family, who were all very grateful for the officers’ kindness and generosity.

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• Sergeant Timothy Hyatt
• Officer Alexis Aranda
• Officer Fernando Benavides
• Officer Rueban Garduño
• Officer Joseph Heckenkamp
• Officer Kyle McNabb
• Officer Christopher Parton
• Officer Christopher Valderrama

 
For the second year in a row, the District Four Impact Team and District Four Community Resource Officers banded together and contributed their personal money to support a District Four family in need for the Christmas Holiday. In 2017, the eight involved officers supported the family of Lizuly Torres, who passed away in November of 2017 just months after being diagnosed with cancer, leaving behind a husband and two small children, ages 7 years-old and 1 year-old. The officers went shopping and bought gifts for the family, including Lizuly’s sister and niece. In addition to the presents purchased, the officers also ensured that the family had a meal large enough for 10 people, so the family could gather together and celebrate Christmas the way Lizuly would have had them do. Enough money was donated that no additional gifts or food needed to be purchased by the family for the Christmas celebration.
 
“These stories are great examples, among many similar situations, of officers going out of their way to make a positive impact in the lives of the residents they serve,” said Denver Chief of Police Robert C. White. “My sincere appreciation goes out to these officers, and all of our officers, who show heart and compassion in serving and caring for this great city.”
 
The CAP board, consisting of 16 citizen volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients, and present awards. Each award winner receives a pin that is worn on the officer's uniform and a plaque. Nominations for the CAP Award come primarily from letters to the Chief of Police from private citizens applauding officers for their actions while either on or off duty. 
 
Nomination letters may be sent directly to Chief White at: Citizens Appreciate Police, 1331 Cherokee St, Denver, CO  80204, Attn: Chief of Police Office. Nominations can also be emailed directly to the CAP board at CAPBoardDenver@gmail.com.