Statesville Police Department Hosts Awards Ceremony

Statesville, NC – The Statesville Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony on January 17, 2025, at the Statesville Civic Center. The event celebrated the exceptional contributions of officers and civilian staff who embody the department’s commitment to excellence and service.

The ceremony was attended by SPD officers and civilian employees, their families, Mayor Costi Kutteh, members of the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, and other distinguished guests.

Chief David Onley praised the dedication and professionalism of the award recipients, emphasizing their impact on the department and the community. "Tonight, we honor individuals who have gone above and beyond in their duties. Their courage, leadership, and service inspire us all to strive for excellence," said Chief Onley.

2025 Individual Awards

• SPD Officer of the Year: Officer Scott Long
• Investigator of the Year: Cpl. Daniella Beck (not pictured)
• Telecommunicator of the Year: Anita Vargas  (not pictured)
• C-Squad Officer of the Year: Officer Justin Thooft
• A-Squad Officer of the Year: Officer David Lowery
• D-Squad Officer of the Year: Officer Chris McBride
• Community Services Officer of the Year: Officer Christian Aguilar
• School Resource Officer of the Year: Officer Scott Long
• Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Christy Cleary
• Civilian of the Year: Nakayla Griffin

Police Chief’s Commendation

Sgt. Craig Wolfe

For professionalism, leadership, and teamwork in strengthening the department and community)

Police Chief’s Recognition

Makayel Smith-Jackson, Kelis Carr, Katelyn Withers (not pictured), and Jay’Veon Lackey (not pictured) 

For their dedicated community service through the SPD Junior Ambassador Program)

Medal of Valor

Corporal Casey Hoover

• Awarded for extraordinary bravery during an incident on April 29, 2024, demonstrating courage above the call of duty in the presence of personal danger.

Certificate of Merit

Officer Bryce York (not pictured)

• Recognized for exceptional dedication during the apprehension of a burglary suspect on July 28, 2024, leading to the resolution of multiple breaking and entering cases.

Life-Saving Award

Officer Kathleen Pope, Officer Joseph DiChiara, and Officer Jessica Osborne

• Honored for their life-saving intervention during a mental health crisis on November 26, 2024.

Unit Citation & Challenge Coin from Asheville Police Department

Recognized for exemplary service during recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene:

• Officer James Castillo, Officer Nick Devita, Cpt. Marc Carmona, Cpl. David Benge, Sgt. Craig Wolfe, Officer Jamey Findley, and Asst. Chief John Ivarsson
• Not pictured: Officer Daniel Ostwalt, Cpl. Jeffrey Porter, Cpl. Randolph Charbonneau, Officer Shannon Finis, Cpl. Kevin Eiss, Officer Clint Elsenboss, and Officer Chavis Finger.

Service Milestones

• 5 Years of Service: Officer Brandon Koontz and Officer Andrew Mason
• 10 Years of Service: Officer Jamey Findley, Officer Carina Moody, and Sgt. Christy Cleary (not pictured)
• 15 Years of Service: Sgt. Richard Dillard (not pictured) and Cpl. Attrie Killian

The Statesville Police Department extends its gratitude to all honorees for their unwavering commitment to public safety.