PPS employees honored at eighth annual awards ceremony

UNC Charlotte’s Police and Public Safety Department (PPS) recently honored outstanding employees during its annual awards ceremony, held in conjunction with National Police Week.

Det. Nicole Krysiak was recognized as Officer of the Year, following Officer of the Month honors twice in 2017-18. Jennifer Behre was named Civilian Employee of the Year. Behre serves the University as a part-time support services investigative technician, while also working for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as a dispatch supervisor.

The David A. Coleman Sr. Excellence in Leadership Award, named for the PPS deputy director who died in March 2016, was given to its second recipient. The award honors a supervisor who has made outstanding contributions to the University community and who exemplifies the highest principles of a true leader in policing.

Sgt. Rich Gundacker, a former NYPD detective, received the honor.

Certificates of appreciation were given to John Overcash, property and evidence officer, and John Knight, a junior criminal justice major who interned with PPS. Both men were honored for their dedication and exemplary service.

During the ceremony, PPS paid special tribute to Hank James, associate vice chancellor for safety and security, who will retire in August 2018 after nine years with the University.

“Mr. James has been instrumental in growing our police department, “said Chief Jeff Baker. “He has been tireless in endorsing and recognizing our officers and in encouraging career development.”

Baker presented James with a plaque that featured a bronze UNC Charlotte police badge.

Employees recognized for advancements in their careers and educations were:

• Sgt. Heather Burch who received her advanced certification, the highest recognition given to North Carolina police officers for education, professional training and on-the-job training
• Officers Ronnie Andrews, Samuel Beras, Austin Braddock, Celeste Godwin and Jonisha Inman who were certified as field training officers
• Sgt. Rich Gundacker and Lt. MarKeith Tate who were certified as general instructors
• Lt. Matthew Fior, Capt. Josh Huffman, Sgt. Stephanie Klein, Lt. Sarah Smyre, Lt. MarKeith Tate and Lt. Brian Thomas who were recognized for earning the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, indicating their completion of the Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute and Executive Leadership Institute offered through the program
• Telecommunicator Alyssa Hunsaker received a bachelor’s degree