Thursday, March 10, 2011

Dunwoody PD, Officer Fidel Espinoza nominated as America's Most Wanted - All Star and needs your vote.

Officer Fidel Espinoza
Dunwoody Police Department

Chief Billy Grogan instituted the motto of "serving with distinction" for the Dunwoody Police Department and no one lives up to that standard better than Officer Fidel Espinoza.  Please take a minute to read the caption below then let's honor one of our own by taking another minute to cast our vote for one of Dunwoody's Finest.  Thank you.

Please Click here to Vote.

"My first taste of law enforcement was actually in elementary school when I became a safety patrol officer thanks in part to a D.A.R.E officer". It was always a life-long dream to become a soldier and a police officer. His dream was achieved during his service in the US Army laying a solid foundation for his public safety career. He obtained peace officer certification at the police academy on Ft. Benning, Georgia in 1996. Fidel is presently a patrol officer for the Dunwoody Police Department in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. He has done a little bit of everything in almost 16 years of law enforcement; Beat Officer, Investigations, Federal Gang Task Force, Special Investigations, Homeland Security, Field Training Officer and Bike Officer. Officer Espinoza is the recipient of the DeKalb Police Department Medal of Honor 2001 for Heroism & Valor and the Top Marksman Award for 2009 and 2010. Officer Espinoza is a seasoned police officer and very community minded. He feels that working patrol is the best avenue to interact with the community and to help people. His greatest satisfaction comes from his duties as a patrol officer. Officer Espinoza worked diligently to reduce crime in his patrol area but was in part stymied by a lack of trust for law enforcement. In an effort to respond to this lack of trust and encourage cooperation with the police department, Officer Espinoza recommended the department initiate a "Christmas for Kids" program which would bring traditional Christmas cheer to children whom otherwise would not have the opportunities at Christmas time. Through the efforts, drive, and commitment of Officer Espinoza, the department was able to gather gifts for the identified children in need, issue invitations, and host a Christmas for Kids dinner. The program brought the community together and gave over 100 deserving children a very special holiday. As the founder of the Dunwoody Police Department's Christmas for Kids Program he was recognized by the DeKalb County Bar Association as Officer of the Year 2010. In addition to his regular duties as a police officer Fidel is an associate advisor for the police department's explorer program. He also lends his time as a teacher and mentor assisting in a drug and alcohol awareness program at the middle school. He attributes his overwhelming desire to serve his community and successful career to the teachers and police officers as mentors he met early in life. Deputy Chief David Sides says that "Officer Espinoza's efforts are truly to be commended and worthy of consideration for recognition as an All Star". Officer Espinoza is both excited and honored to be included among the ranks of the 2011 All-Star nominees.

1 comment:

John Heneghan said...

I just voted again, once per day allowed through April 10.