Paducah Police honor 40 officers and civilians at annual awards ceremony

The Paducah Police Department celebrated its 13th annual awards ceremony Thursday night by honoring more than 40 officers, city employees and civilians.

A large room packed with family and friends at Walker Hall was the setting as categories ranged from civilian service awards to meritorious service commendations and lifesaving awards. 

The "Employee of the Year Award" went to Officer Pedro Loredo. That announcement drew cheering approval from the crowd. Afterward, Officer Loredo was asked what the role of a good police officer is. 

"A police officer is here to better the community, keep people safe, and always willing to help others in time of need," he said, as colleagues and friends stopped to offer their congratulations. 

Officer Loredo and Officer Zane White also each received Meritorious Service Awards for outstanding work in dangerous situations last year. 

In August, Loredo he heard shots fired near H.C. Mathis Drive and Park Avenue. He saw a man pointing a gun at people on the parking lot of a convenience store. Loredo chased the gunman on foot and took him into custody, then directed other officers and medical personnel to the scene. 

Officer White received the Meritorious Service Award for his work when a tractor trailer and a pickup truck crashed and caught fire. The pickup's driver was trapped inside, and White and a deputy used multiple fire extinguishers to help keep the fire from engulfing the truck until firemen could arrive. 

Other awards and honorees included numerous PPD employees:

Lifesaving Awards went to Officer Matthew York (3 awards), Officer James Robbins (2 awards), Officer Brandon Cupp (2 awards), Detective Dylan Cook, Officer Alex Biebenrood,  Sgt. Jordan Murphy, Officer Ryan Euteneier, Officer Austin Gruner, Officer Daniel Hunerkoch, Officer Julia Cross, and Officer Keith Thuline. 

Sgt. Jason Hicks received a Chief's Award.

Police Chief Brian Laird presented honors, along with assistant chiefs Anthony Copeland and Justin Crowell. City officials also participated in the program. 

Chief Laird presented Special Recognition to officers Keith Thuline and Pedro Loredgo. 

Some 13 employees earned a total of 45 commendations. They include Detective Corey Willenborg (9), Detective Nathan Jaimet (8), Detective Beau Green (7), Sgt. Nickolas Francescon (5), Detective Dylan Cook (3), Officer Noah Willett (3), Henry Fowler (2), Emilee Jones (2), Austin Scutt (2), Officer James Whitworth (2), Patrick Bugg (1), Stephanie Goins (1), and Officer Jennifer Simmonds (1). 


Officers Pedro Laredo (left) and Zane White were honored with Meritorious Service Awards by the Paducah Police Department at their annual ceremony this week. Laredo was also named the Employee of the Year.