At the Henderson Police Department Staff Meeting on Thursday, June 13, 2013 two Henderson Police Department officers were recognized by being awarded the department’s “Individual Commendation Award”. As part of the agency’s efforts to recognize employees for exceptional work and performance the Department has an Employee Awards Program which provides recognition for officers and employees nominated by supervisors or co-workers for these awards.
The Individual Commendation Award is issued to officers that have “performed efficient and valuable services to the Department…in the performance of duties over an extended period of time.” At the meeting both officers were recognized and received a Certificate of Award and a uniform Award Pin from Interim Chief Marcus Barrow.
Sergeant Jessica M. West received her award for performance of duties in 2012 that resulted in her being named the Police Officer of the Year by the Henderson/Vance Optimist Club at their “Public Safety Appreciation Day” meeting. West was also recognized for her work as a volunteer coach and board member of the Vance County Special Olympics Program, being a volunteer and board member of the Vance County SafeKids Coalition, serves as a member of the Police Department’s Bicycle Patrol Unit, coordinated all Community Watch groups in housing areas or apartment complexes, established the Business Watch Program and served as the department’s alternative Crime Scene Technician in 2012 working several high profile cases. Sergeant West is now the department’s Evidence Custodian and primary Crime Scene Technician.
West has been with the Henderson Police Department since 2004.
Lieutenant Brandon Bishop received his award for performance of duties in 2012 that resulted in his receiving the 2012 Lt. S.S. Pearson Officer of the Year Award from the Henderson/Vance CrimeStoppers organization. The award is presented at the group’s Awards Banquet each year and recognizes Henderson Police officers for notable efforts in the area of Crime Prevention and Community Services.
Lt. Bishop was recognized for his work in preparing a Nuisance Abatement case against the property at 200 Parham Road (the former Kerr Lake Inn), his work in preparing the department’s “Operation L.O.C.K.” vehicle Breaking and Entering prevention brochures and his work as a Gang Identification Officer.
Bishop has been with the Henderson Police Department since 2002.