The Bowling Green Police Department on Friday honored Master Police Officer Steven Davidson as its 2013 Officer of the Year.

Davidson’s wife, Patricia, and his two children sat in the audience at the Chief Wayne Constant Community Room while Davidson and several other officers and civilian employees received everything from five-year service awards to life-saving medals and a meritorious award.

“There were many reasons Officer Davidson was nominated for it, first and foremost is Officer Davidson’s ability to maintain a positive attitude,” said Sgt. Jonathan Vickous, chairman of the 2013 Employee Committee. “It is well known that Officer Davidson has a young daughter who suffers from severe health problems. Reece’s medical conditions have led to multiple extended hospital stays over the last year, which have brought many stressors upon Officer Davidson and his family. It takes a strong person to maintain a positive mindset while dealing with these stressors. Officer Davidson’s daily actions demonstrate his willingness and the strength to endure.

“One officer stated Officer Davidson strives to give 110 percent for his shift and the department,” Vickous said. “Several of the officers complimented his ability and determination to take care of his calls for service in his district. Sgt. (Bernard) Wiedemer complimented Officer Davidson’s ability to thoroughly conduct and document his investigations. Officer Davidson has been called out several times over this past year for advanced crime scene processing incidents.”

Davidson never complains about being called out, Vickous said.

“Several officers noted Officer Davidson’s willingness to help other officers,” he said.

Up until Wednesday, Davidson was unaware he would receive the award that is decided on by a peer vote. After receiving the award, he expressed gratitude for the officers with whom he works.

“It was very unexpected,” Davidson said. “I’m very grateful. It’s a job you don’t do for awards. You do it for the gratification of helping others. Policing is a team sport. I couldn’t do any of this without the support of the people I work with.”

Davidson has worked for the department since 2002.

Senior office associate Marcia Haley received the Civilian of the Year award for her work with officers on case files to be sent to the Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office for grand jury presentation.

“Marcia has been described as an employee who has a strong work ethic,” Vickous said during the presentation. “Marcia maintains a positive attitude while working, and she positively influences others she comes into contact with.”

“She has a servant’s heart,” he added.

Haley started working for the department part time in 1984 before taking a full-time job there in 1985. “It’s an honor to get the award,” she said after the ceremony. “I enjoy (the work). It’s like another family here. I enjoy working here.”

Master Police Officer Ernie Steff earned the Medal of Meritorious Service for saving the life of a potential bridge jumper on Old Louisville Road on Jan. 1.

Steff saw the man, stopped his cruiser and jumped out of his car wearing only his uniform in subfreezing temperatures. He stood on the bridge with no cold weather clothing for more than two hours, eventually talking the man out of jumping.

Others recognized during the ceremony were:

•Officer Michele Owen for the Bill Key Traffic Safety Award for writing 421 citations in 2013.

•Officer Ed Pulley for the DUI award for 59 DUI arrests, his second year in a row for that award.

•Officer Michael Yonker for the seat-belt award for issuing 104 seat-belt citations.

•Officer Josh Hughes for the Character Counts award.

Life-saving medals were given to Officers Lisa Brown, Matt Wheat, Troy Perry and Blake Allen.

Chief Doug Hawkins announced the following promotions: Kevin Wiles to lieutenant colonel, Michael Delaney and Melanie Watts to majors, Charles Casey and Matt Edwards to captains and Michael Keffer, Jason Scott and Jonathan Vickous to sergeants.

Five-year service awards were given to Officers Dale Barbiea, Jon Brown, Jeff Colvin, Jacob Forrester, Brad Hogue, Brandon Stice and Jennifer Willis; Detectives Ryan Dillon, Jason Franks and Wade Hughes and dispatcher Danielle Piper.

Ten-year service awards were given to Detective Tim Buss, Officers Jeff Eversoll and Sean Girbert, dispatch supervisor Adam Smith and Sgt. Donitka Kay.

Fifteen-year service awards were given to school crossing guard Valorie Boards, Majors Michael Delaney and Jim Hyde and Detective Melinda Jones.

Twenty-year service awards were given to retired officer James McCubbins and retired detective Barry Raley.

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