The Chattanooga Police Department honored more than 50 employees, volunteers and community partners during its annual awards ceremony March 5 recognizing exceptional service and lifesaving actions during the 2025 calendar year.
Police Chief John Chambers opened the ceremony by praising officers and reminding them of the responsibility they carry in serving the public.
“The same officer who kneels to comfort a child must also be ready to stand firmly between that child and harm,” Chambers said. “The honorees embody that balance by demonstrating courage without arrogance, strength without cruelty and authority without losing their humanity.”
Awards were presented across more than 20 categories. Among the department’s top recognitions, Kurtis Bacha was named Officer of the Year. Lt. Billy Atwell received Leader of the Year honors and Sgt. Jeremiah Cook was named Supervisor of the Year.
Other individual awards included Seven Mingo as Rookie of the Year, Adam Williams as Field Training Officer of the Year and Daryl Slaughter as Investigator of the Year. Professional staff awards went to Shea Jefferson for leadership, Sam Wofford as Professional Staff of the Year and Amanda Finn as Professional Staff Newcomer.
Four officers also received the Life Saving Medal for actions that protected lives: Joel Crawford, Jared Wilcox, Codi Monroy and Kristen Thomas. Ryan Berg received the Purple Heart Medal.
Community and partner awards recognized Hamilton County Schools as Community Partner of the Year, Clifford and Carol Ackerman as Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Members of the Year, Chaplain Ed Caram as Chaplain of the Year, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department as Law Enforcement Partner of the Year and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as Federal Partner of the Year.
Local 3 News anchor Michelle Heron served as master of ceremonies for the event, held at Abba’s House in Hixson.
Source: Chattanooga Police Department