Richmond Police Honors Personnel, Community Partners

Two Richmond Police officers were shot in the line of duty in April of this year. Thankfully, they survived their injuries.

Three Third Precinct officers worked in the lobby of their precinct to save a stabbing victim, whose wounds required more than 200 stitches.

A South Side business owner, in the spirit of the season, brought Christmas dinner to the officers on duty at Second Precinct.

These are just a few examples of the acts by members of the Richmond Police Department and members of the community that will be honored tomorrow in an awards ceremony.

The Department’s biannual Salute to Excellence Awards will be presented 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at The November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St.

 "The Salute to Excellence Awards continue to remind us of the important accomplishments of the Richmond Police force as well as our community partners,” Mayor Dwight C. Jones said. “Public safety is a task that we must continue to work on together and we must always let those who are making a difference know how thankful we are."

 Added Chief Ray J. Tarasovic, “This is an opportunity to recognize our own as well as those persons in the community who have made a difference in contributing to public safety. These awards are just a small token of our appreciation for their extraordinary efforts.”

Nominations come from officers throughout the Department and are judged by the Department’s Honors Board. One nomination came directly from the top. The CALEA Team, which worked on the Department’s recent re-accreditation process, was nominated by Chief Tarasovic. CALEA stands for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

“In the exit interview, the (CALEA) assessors repeatedly complimented the Department for its professionalism, competence and community engagement,” the chief said. “I could not let this work go unnoticed.”

 Members of the media and the community are encouraged to attend.