Carlsbad CA— In a ceremony on February 4, the City of Carlsbad Police Department named the 2016 Police Officer, Police Supervisor and Civilian Employee of the year.

Officer Samantha Alexander was named the 2016 Police Officer of the Year. Alexander, a nine-year veteran of the department and patrol officer, was honored for her continued superior performance. Alexander regularly exceeds all expectations in pursuit of the department’s goals to reduce crime and ensure the utmost quality of life for all those that live, work and play in the City of Carlsbad. Alexander embodies the true spirit of a patrol officer as she goes out on patrol each day and provides the highest level of service to the community of Carlsbad and her fellow officers.

Interim Lieutenant Kevin Lehan was named the 2016 Police Supervisor of the Year. Lehan, a 19 year veteran of the department, was honored for his professionalism, dedication and tireless efforts to promote and encourage those he supervises. Lehan leads by example as he works hard and is dedicated to motivating those around him. He is a gifted instructor and takes the time to help others gain the training and resources they need to reach their goals.

Network Engineer Sean Reese was named the 2016 Civilian Employee of the Year. Reese, an eight year veteran of the department that works with the Information Technology Department, was honored for his technical expertise, persistence and pride in solving even the smallest of Reese, S.problems. Reese is tirelessly committed to supporting the technical needs of the department which are essential to the department’s mission. Reese provides exceptional service with a positive attitude, industrious persistence and an unmatched patience for those he assists.
Linda Padilla was named the 2016 Station Volunteer of the Year. Padilla was honored for her dedication to the department. Padilla is described as always being ready, willing and able to volunteer when needed. Padilla helps with the Juvenile Justice Program and is committed to the ideals it advocates. To Padilla no assignment is too big or too small when it comes to ensuring the effectiveness of the diversion program to influence the future of some terrific kids.
Senior Volunteer Patrol Staff Sergeant Rosa Knight was named the 2016 SVP Member of the Year. Since 2007, Knight has donated over 3,000 hours of service to the department. Knight is a gifted, natural leader that demonstrates unparalleled guidance and knowledge that is invaluable to the volunteer patrol. Knight is professional, courteous and always demonstrates the values of the Police Department.
Also honored at the ceremony were

• Auto Theft Recovery Officer of the Year –Patrol Officer Cody Green
• DUI Officer of the Year – Patrol Officer Jody Knisley
• Lifesaving Awards – Patrol Corporal Travis Lambert and Patrol Officer Edward Ramirez

“We congratulate this year’s award recipients and we are grateful for their exceptional service,” stated Interim Police Chief Neil Gallucci. “We are proud of all the men and women who have chosen a career in service and who work hard every day to ensure the Police Department can provide the best possible service to the Community of Carlsbad. “