The Murfreesboro Police Department held its annual awards ceremony last week recognizing officers and civilians for their service. The Meritorious Service Medal, 20 Year Service Award, the Citizen Community Service Award and the Citizen Support Award were given to employees and citizens. A retirement reception for Detective Bill Heringlake was also held at the ceremony.
On July 19, 2012 Sergeant Jim Wyatt responded to an unknown problem at a motel on Chaffin Place. Arriving only minutes after the call was dispatched, Wyatt quickly discovered an unresponsive female with no pulse or breath. Sgt. Wyatt directed a bystander to begin rescue breathing while Wyatt began chest compressions on the victim. Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue as well as Rutherford County EMS arrived, began advanced life saving measures and transported the victim to the hospital. The victim made a full recovery and was released from the hospital. Without the quick response and immediate actions of Sgt. Wyatt, it is unlikely the victim would have survived the cardiac arrest. The Awards Committee and Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman agreed with the recommendation of Sgt. Wyatt’s supervisor to award him with the Meritorious Service Medal.
Detective Phillip Loyd, Officer Terry Spence, Officer Amy Dean, Captain Alan Smith, Sergeant Shawn Murphy, and Sergeant Sam Campbell were awarded with 20 Year Service Awards.
Murfreesboro City Schools teacher Mrs. Kelly Jones was awarded the Citizen Community Service Award for starting the “Cards for Cops” program. Jones’ 5th grade students at Mitchell-Neilson School began making birthday cards for Murfreesboro Police Department employees in 2009. Each year, on an employee’s birthday, they receive a packet full of birthday cards individually made by the students. Because of Mrs. Jones’ service to the Police Department and to City Schools, she was awarded the Community Service Award.
Detective Bill Heringlake and colleagues celebrated his 26 year career at the Murfreesboro Police Department. In honor of his retirement, Heringlake was presented with the firearm he carried, badge, and a retirement plaque.
In a separate ceremony, Mrs. Kara Redden was awarded the Citizen Support Award for her role in assisting officers responding to a dangerous crime in progress. Redden provided responding officers with timely information that eventually led officers to apprehend two violent criminals.
Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman stated: “We are proud of these officers and their contributions to the Police Department and the City of Murfreesboro over the last 20 years. We are thankful for their sacrifices and those of their family, whose support is critical to the success of the officers. Sergeant Wyatt’s actions saved the life of a resident of this city and we are grateful for his service. We also appreciate the service of Mrs. Jones and her students for recognizing the birthdays of Murfreesboro Police Department employees as well as the support of Mrs. Redden in assisting officers in bringing two dangerous criminals to justice. Everyone honored today has made a difference in the lives of others and we thank them for that.”
