PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Police Department recognized officers, employees, volunteers and community partners during a departmental awards banquet.
“We have worked very hard all year with low staffing and training numerous new officers,” Chief Thomas Olson said. “We were still able to have an impact on crime and the fear of crime, key components of our mission. Our team works very hard 24/7 and it is important to recognize their dedication to their work and the community.”
The police department’s annual awards were presented Feb. 25 for 2023. They include:
• John Ebner is the Volunteer of the Year for his dedicated service in providing fingerprinting services to the department and the community.
• Brian Kalscheuer received the Civilian of the Year award for his management of nearly 50 special events in the city, his willingness to assist in any way, and his key role in ensuring the events are organized and administered safely.
• Trevor Hansen was named Commissioned Patrol Partner of the Year for his mentorship, reliable and steady presence on patrol and using humor to help de-escalate.
• Kamal Sharif was recognized as both the Commissioned Employee of the Year and the Commissioned Officer of the Year for his dedication to the department, his leadership in organizing community events and programs and his exemplary performance as a supervisor.
• Believe in Recovery received the Community Partner of the Year award for its 24-7 response, the team’s reliability, helpfulness and impact on community safety.
“We also like to recognize a community partner who works alongside us, making our job just a little bit easier,” Olson said. “Believe in Recovery was this year’s awardee in that category. From helping with camp cleanups, to getting hotel rooms and treatment referrals, to providing transportation, to leading the LEED program, they make a huge impact on community safety.”
Olson also provided comments on the state of the department over the past year.
The department hired five commissioned officers in 2023 in addition to Jeff Thaxton, its new deputy chief.
The department currently has 13 patrol officers, with three in training and three open positions.
Over the year, the department implemented 11 recommendations from the city’s Ad Hoc Committee on Law Enforcement and Public Safety, including the establishment of a Chief’s Advisory Board.
Increased staffing led to a 40 percent increase in traffic stops and enforcement over 2022, including 148 issued tickets, 21 DUI arrests and 22 criminal traffic cases.
The department also saw a 17 percent increase in calls for service but an overall reduction in burglary, motor-vehicle theft and vandalism.
The full State of the Department Report is posted at https://cityofpt.us/police.
