Special to IFN

The Statesville Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 17, at the Statesville Civic Center. The event celebrated the exceptional contributions of officers and civilian staff who embody the department’s commitment to excellence and service.

The ceremony was attended by SPD officers and civilian employees, their families, Mayor Costi Kutteh, members of the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, and other distinguished guests.

Chief David Onley praised the dedication and professionalism of the award recipients, emphasizing their impact on the department and the community.

“Tonight, we honor individuals who have gone above and beyond in their duties. Their courage, leadership, and service inspire us all to strive for excellence,” Onley said.

2025 Award Recipients

Individual Awards

♦ SPD Officer of the Year: Officer Scott Long
♦ Investigator of the Year: Cpl. Daniella Beck
♦ Telecommunicator of the Year: Anita Vargas
♦ School Resource Officer of the Year: Officer Scott Long
♦ A-Squad Officer of the Year: Officer David Lowery
♦ C-Squad Officer of the Year: Officer Justin Thooft
♦ D-Squad Officer of the Year: Officer Chris McBride
♦ Community Services Officer of the Year: Officer Christian Aguilar
♦ Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Christy Cleary
♦ Civilian of the Year: Nakayla Griffin

Special Recognitions

Police Chief’s Recognition

♦ Makayel Smith-Jackson, Kelis Carr, Katelyn Withers, and Jay’Veon Lackey (for their dedicated community service through the SPD Junior Ambassador Program)

Police Chief’s Commendation

♦ Sgt. Craig Wolfe (for professionalism, leadership, and teamwork in strengthening the department and community)

Medal of Valor

♦ Corporal Casey Hoover: Awarded for extraordinary bravery during an incident on April 29, 2024, demonstrating courage above the call of duty in the presence of personal danger.

Certificate of Merit

♦ Officer Bryce York: Recognized for exceptional dedication during the apprehension of a burglary suspect on July 28, 2024, leading to the resolution of multiple breaking and entering cases.

Life-Saving Award

♦ Officer Joseph DiChiara, Officer Jessica Osborne, and Officer Kathleen Pope: Honored for their life-saving intervention during a mental health crisis on November 26, 2024.

Unit Citation & Challenge Coin from Asheville Police Department

♦ Recognized for exemplary service during recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene: Cpl. David Benge, Officer Daniel Ostwalt, Cpt. Marc Carmona, Cpl. Jeffrey Porter, Officer James Castillo, Sgt. Craig Wolfe, Cpl. Randolph Charbonneau, Officer Shannon Finis, Officer Nick Devita, Cpl. Kevin Eiss, Officer Clint Elsenboss, Officer Jamey Findley, Officer Chavis Finger, and Asst. Chief John Ivarsson.

Service Milestones

♦ 5 Years of Service: Officer Andrew Mason and Officer Brandon Koontz
♦ 10 Years of Service: Officer Jamey Findley, Officer Carina Moody, and Sgt. Christy Cleary
♦ 15 Years of Service: Sgt. Richard Dillard and Cpl. Attrie Killian

Photos