Four of Gurnee police's finest honored for excellence
Four of Gurnee's finest were recognized Monday night for exemplifying the police department's mission. It's the first year for the Four Pillar Awards initiated by Police Chief Kevin Woodside. The honors were for crime prevention, community impact, crime response and team building.
While the Four Pillar Awards will be presented annually, said Woodside, the kudos recognize career achievements.
At Monday's village board meeting, Woodside was accompanied by his deputies, Saundra Campbell and Terri Kincaid, when he presented the inaugural awards. Woodside explained the reasoning behind the first four honorees.
"This first year was important to select individuals that really, truly do embody each of the pillars," Woodside said.
Tom Agos, a 27-year Gurnee police veteran, took the hardware for crime prevention. Agos, a crime prevention technician, was recognized for his work in several areas including neighborhood watch coordinator, a teenage drinking awareness program and work in the schools.
"The crowning achievement for 2013 was the production and distribution of 'Attention Students and Staff,' a school safety video that was produced by volunteers (Agos) coordinated and mobilized in conjunction with Woodland District 50, with distribution throughout the country. Tom's work will help to protect students and school staff for many years to follow," Woodside wrote in praising Agos.
Detective Jesse Gonzalez received recognition in the Four Pillar category for crime response. A 15-year detective who joined Gurnee police in 1988, Gonzalez was honored for developing a tactical proficiency that he now shares as a rapid deployment instructor and a high rate of case clearance as a detective.
"I'm truly honored to be receiving this award tonight," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez isn't a stranger to law-enforcement awards. He's a three-time Gurnee Police Officer of the Year recipient and was honored as the best in Lake County in 2009 for his respect, care and compassion for crime victims and their families.
Sgt. Jeremy Gaughan, who joined Gurnee police in 2012, received the first community impact award. Elevated to sergeant in 2013 and an active member of the Gurnee Fraternal Order of Police Social Lodge, his work has included starting a program to serve military families at Christmas, volunteering for Salvation Army over the holidays and raising money through the Special Olympics Torch Run and the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
Gaughan also has served with the National Guard and the Army. He remains in the Army Reserve.
"Jeremy's dedication to the department, the community and his country are clearly evident as he leads by example to make a difference," Woodside said.
Sgt. David Farrow won the team building award. A 17-year Gurnee officer promoted to sergeant in 2008, Farrow was saluted for natural leadership skills that were clear when he took command of Gurnee's visitor oriented policing team.
Farrow was in charge of building relationships for the unit with places such as Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills and KeyLime Cove Waterpark Resort.