An awards ceremony gave a glimpse into the life of law enforcement and those that step in to go above and beyond in helping them.

Both citizens and officers were honored for their efforts Wednesday at the Orlando Police Department’s quarterly awards ceremony.

In a press release previewing those that would be recognized, tales of regular people doing extraordinary deeds stood out.

Good Citizenship Awards, commendations and awards for merit, and this year's Distinguished Officer Award were given out.

Below is OPD’s description of what some of those who were honored did to warrant such recognition:

  • A citizen observed a male running from a bank when the dye pack exploded. She followed the suspect, calling 911, and even when the suspect stopped to intimidate her, she disregarded her own safety, and continued to follow which led to arrests.
  • A citizen observed a violent purse snatching. The citizen intervened, pulled the suspect off of the victim and attempted to restrain him. The citizen chased after the suspect, and his description led to the arrest.
  • Two citizens observed four suspicious suspects, and were able to detain three of them at gun point until police arrived. It was determined that these suspects had been committing residential burglaries, and the citizens actions led to arrests in this case.
  • A citizen observed an officer attempting an arrest of a violent suspect. The suspect was actively and violently resisting the officer. The citizen stopped his vehicle, and got out and assisted the officer handcuff and secure the violent felon.
  • Two citizens heard a victim screaming and struggling with a suspect. The citizen intervened and the suspect got in a car and drove away. The citizen followed, and his information led to the arrest of a violent felon.
  • A citizen observed a robbery and stabbing. As the suspect was armed with the knife, and still a threat, the citizen used his car to knock down the suspect. The citizen continued to follow him after he got back up and his information and actions led to the arrest of an armed violent felon.
  • A citizen observed a purse snatching and flee on a bike. The citizen followed him on his bike and yelled for the suspect to drop the purse. The citizen returned the purse to the victim, and the information provided by the citizen led to the arrest.

Good Citizenship Award Winners

  • Andrea “Nikki” Nicole Mier
  • Todd Davis
  • Tarek Almanea
  • Brian S. Hyser
  • Edward Dillard
  • Rachel Mitchum
  • Rudolph Johnson
  • Terrell Haliburton
  • August Decker
  • Vincent and Laura Masella
  • Michael Mills
  • Andrea Eliscu
  • Marelize Dingman
  • Bryan Fisher
  • Grace Gentia
  • Sharon Only
  • Shakeria Only-Moyer
  • Lillar Only
  • Thomas Only
  • Natalie Colon
  • CPAA
  • Christian Service Center
  • Victory Foundation - Vicki Chiaverini
  • Pathway to Parramore Team
  • Wal-Mart
  • Anna Fife

John T Searcy Jr. Memorial Service Award

  • CSO II Lynda L. Moore

Field Training Officer of the Year

  • Corporal William Scott Ross

Distinguished Officer of the Year

  • Master Police Officer Bonnie Nantkes

Community Service

  • Captain Janice Croud
  • Master Police Officer Willis Weaver
  • Officer Ricardo Agrait
  • Officer Christopher Chaplin
  • Officer Marlon McClain
  • Office Joel Javier
  • Officer Andres Pinero

Award of Administrative Excellence

  • Officer Drew Leopold
  • Officer Paul Sanderlin

Life Saving Award

  • Sergeant Charles Navicky

Award of Commendation

  • Officer Jimmie Toler
  • Agent Mathew J. Ochiuzzo
  • Officer Cesar Hernandez-Castillo

Award of Merit

  • Officer Jimmie Toler

Award of Valor

  • Officer Benjamin Chisari
  • Officer Travis Lamont
  • Officer Alberto Negron

Patrol Officer of the Year 2012

  • Officer Aaron Goss