The Lilburn Police Department's Crime Suppression Unit was named Public Safety Unit of the Year at the Gwinnett Chamber Valor Awards on March 26, 2014.
Nearly 20 individuals and groups were awarded for acts of bravery and service in our community. Awards were given to the men and women who have performed heroic and extraordinary acts to protect and serve the citizens of Gwinnett.
The City of Lilburn’s Crime Suppression Unit was formed in the May of 2013. Officers Cody Belcher and Almedin Ajanovic were selected for this unit under the supervision of Lt. Chris Dusik.
This special unit was designed in response to complaints of numerous open area drug activities, spikes in property crimes, and an array of other violent crimes. Since its inception, the Crime Suppression Unit has been highly successful and has made a huge positive impact in many affected areas of our city.
In 2013, the unit made 155 physical arrests. They confiscated 13 firearms (two confirmed stolen), apprehended 36 wanted persons, seized thousands of dollars in drug money, seized two vehicles used in the transport of illegal narcotics, recovered illegal narcotics to include marijuana, hash, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, oxycodone, Xanax, peyote, as well as numerous scheduled prescription pills. Coinciding with these achievements, the crime rate in Lilburn has been reduced significantly.
Working in conjunction with the Uniform Patrol Division, the Crime Suppression Unit has worked tirelessly to maintain and enhance the quality of life and well-being of the citizens of Lilburn. With their skill level, dedication, and personal sacrifice, these officers have reduced crimes such as burglaries, drug activities, fraud, and other property related incidents.
The following public safety professionals also were honored in the program’s subsequent award categories:
• The Medal of Merit, awarded to an outstanding public safety program for the community; was given to the Sgt. Stephen Daniels of the Duluth Police Department for the Community Oriented Police Unit;
• Officers Jeff Madsen and Joshua Bowie of the Gwinnett County Police Department received the Lifesaving Award, given to the public safety official/unit in recognition of acts taken in a life-threatening situation where an individual’s life is in jeopardy;
• Several Public Safety Awards were awarded for performing the job with exceptional skill, expertise, innovation, and results:
o Officer Jennifer Nieddu of the Snellville Police Department was named the Public Safety Person of the Year ;
o Communications Officers Lauren Sullins and Natosha Etheridge were named the Communications Officers of the Year.
The Gwinnett Chamber’s Valor Awards program is part of the Gwinnett Chamber series of award programs designed to recognize those who contribute to Gwinnett’s strong quality of life creating a solid environment for business growth. For more information on the Valor Awards, visit www.valorawards.com.