Murrieta Police, Community Members Honored for Going Above and Beyond

Some local police officers-- and civilians-- were recognized this week for their outstanding work with the Murrieta Police Department in 2013.

According to Murrieta Cpl. Kent Chivington, awards were handed out Wednesday in nine categories at the department's annual awards ceremony at city hall.

"Each year the Murrieta Police Department honors employees who have been nominated by their peers for their outstanding efforts during the previous year,"  Chivington said. 

Here's the list of this year's winners: 

• Distinguished Service Award – Officer Aaron Harwick 
• Chief’s Citation – Detective Henry Romero
• Chief Warrant Officer Gregory Topp, U.S. Marine Corps 
• Volunteer of the Year – Rich Flowers 
• Civilian of the Year – Police Service Aide Ron Smith
• Dispatcher of the Year – Amy Mitchell
• Detective of the Year – Detective Jason Calvert
• Officer of the Year – Officer Dave Lawlor
• Murrieta Police Department Life Saving Medal – Sgt James Gruwell