Carlsbad CA— On Wednesday, February 21, 2018, the City of Carlsbad Police Department announced its 2018 Police Department award recipients.
Corporal Shaun Lawton was named 2018 Police Officer of the Year. Lawton, who is assigned to the traffic division, is also a member of the SWAT team. Further, Lawton is a key instructor with the Defensive Tactics Program, Tactical Communication Training Program, Active Shooter Training Program and Mobile Field Force Training Program. Lawton has committed himself to the success of these programs and exemplifies the department’s mission, vision and values through his leadership, dedication and compassion.
Communicator II Mariam Rayyan was named 2018 Civilian Employee of the Year. Rayyan excels in the fast-paced environment of communications. Rayyan leads by example and holds herself and her coworkers to the highest standards. Rayyan’s self-motivated style of multitasking often focuses on ways to improve officer safety, develop suspect information and assess witness statements all while managing a critical incident. Rayyan strives to maintain the highest level of expertise and to provide model service to the community of Carlsbad.
Sergeant Reid Shipley was named 2018 Supervisor of the Year. Shipley invests a significant amount of time and effort into developing those around him. Shipley has created pathways to increase the knowledge and skills of those he leads and works diligently to make sure other succeed. Shipley is also dedicated to improving his own leadership skills and sets an example for others to follow. Shipley leads with compassion and integrity while looking for ways others can excel which creates an environment of optimism, comradery and a focus toward public service.
The department was also please to honor:

• Senior Volunteer Patrol Member of the Year – Chuck Hunter
• Explorer of the Year – Francisco “J.J.” Mauga
• Station Volunteer of the Year – Mel Brown
• DUI Officer of the Year – Jody Knisley
• Auto Theft Recovery Officer of the Year – Nate Horton
• Crime Fighters of the Quarter – Officers Mike McKinney, Ron Dement, Nate Horton and Edward Ramirez
• Distinguished Service Medal – Senior Management Analyst Cindy Anderson

For exceptional lifesaving efforts, the department presented awards to:

• Officer Michael McKinney
• Officer Natali Fant
• Officer Ron Dement
• Officer Andre Ramirez

“We congratulate this year’s award recipients and we are grateful for their exceptional service,” stated Police Chief Neil Gallucci. “We are proud of all the men and women who have chosen a career in service and who work hard every day to ensure the Police Department can provide the best possible service to the Community of Carlsbad. “