Denver Police Officers Receive ‘Citizens Appreciate Police’ Award

Denver Police Officers Receive 'Citizens Appreciate Police' Award

Published on April 10, 2024

Denver Police Officers Receive 'Citizens Appreciate Police' Award for Acts of Compassion and Generosity

DENVER - Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Today, the nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized nine Denver Police officers who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion to those in our community.

"CAP's mission is to highlight the everyday good work DPD officers do that often does not come to the attention of the community," said Beth Brody, CAP Board Co-Chair. "In today's ceremony we acknowledged officers who helped stranded female motorists and a homeless father and his autistic nine-year-old son by using their own funds; a detective who showed an out-of-state family his professionalism and work ethic in assisting them in recovering their stolen vehicle; another officer who was able to help a hungry man who wouldn't leave a business; and officers who assisted and fed a woman in need of immediate shelter."

Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes Denver Police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 550 officers have received the CAP award and pin, which is the only civilian award worn on the officers' uniforms.

"The Denver Police Department and I are very proud of the nine officers recognized today, along with all of our officers who routinely go above their assigned duties," said Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas. "These officers' compassionate and caring responses to people facing challenging situations show their true commitment to making a positive impact in our community. I also want to thank the CAP Board for recognizing and honoring these deserving officers for their exemplary work."

Details on CAP Award Recipients:

Officer Armando Jaramillo Jr. and Officer Frankie Archuleta

On September 13, 2023, District 1 Officer Armando Jaramillo and Officer Frankie Archuleta responded to a call for service in the area of West 17th Avenue and North Sheridan Boulevard, after a young father called requesting assistance for him and his nine-year-old son. After learning about the father's efforts to secure other services to no avail, the officers used the district credit card to obtain a hotel room for the pair. The father also mentioned that he and his son had not eaten for an extended period of time. Upon hearing this, Office Jaramillo used his own money to purchase dinner for the little family before giving them a ride to their hotel. The father was extremely grateful for the officers' compassion and generosity.

Officer Kyle Tennyson

On October 8, 2023, District 6 Officer Kyle Tennyson responded to the 500 block of East Colfax Avenue on a report of an assault. While there, he was flagged down by a father and his 9-year-old son with autism. The father explained that he was experiencing homelessness and that he and his son were turned away from an area shelter. He went on to explain that he had an appointment in the upcoming days with Denver Human Services but needed a safe place for him and his son to stay in the meantime. Officer Tennyson used the District 6 credit card to secure a hotel room for the pair. However, the young boy was still experiencing some levels of stress due to being hungry. After Officer Tennyson learned that the small family had not eaten all day, he used his own money to purchase food for both of them and then gave them a ride to the hotel.

Officer Jordan Hewitt

On October 7, 2023, District 1 Officer Jordan Hewitt was at a convenience store in the 1400 block of North Perry Street when she encountered a woman who was visibly upset. When she spoke with the woman, the officer learned that she recently lost her debit card, was out of gas and needed to get home to Broomfield. Needing no more explanation, Officer Hewitt used her own money to buy gas for the woman so she could make it home.

Detective Alicia Martinez and Officer Christopher Velarde

On July 5, 2023, District 4 Officer Alicia Martinez and Officer Christopher Velarde responded to the 4700 block of South Wadsworth Blvd on a report of elder abuse. When officers arrived, they met with the caller who told them that an elderly female was trying to move into their rented apartment. The elderly female victim had been living with her adult son but was advised that it was no longer safe to stay with him. On this evening, the son drove the elderly female victim to the location and dropped her off telling the renter that "she is their problem now". The elderly woman was left without money, credit cards, or transportation and was now essentially stranded with no other options for housing. Due to the victim's age and medical condition, a shelter was not a viable option. The officers took the female victim to a hotel, then soon discovered that she had not eaten all day. Officers took it upon themselves to order and pay for room service from the hotel restaurant with their own money so that she wouldn't go hungry for the evening.

Officer Michael Kim

On December 4, 2023, District 2 Officer Michael Kim responded to the 4400 block of East 12th Avenue on a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived on scene, they encountered a man who refused to leave the area. The complainants did not want to press charges, and the man just asked for a ride to a different part of the city. Not only did Officer Kim provide the man with a courtesy ride, during their exchange, he also learned that the man had not eaten and stopped to buy him a meal before dropping him off.

Officer Anthony Montoya Jr.

On Sunday, November 12, 2023, a young mother, who appeared in distress, walked into the District 4 station in hopes of finding some help for herself and her children. Officer Anthony Montoya Jr. took the time to listens to the mother's plight and learned that she was traveling from Arizona when she ran out of gas. When she went to purchase gas on her own, her card was not working. Needing no more motivation to help this mother, Officer Montoya Jr. gave her $20 of his own money so she could fuel up and make it to her parent's home.

Detective Mike Felsoci

On September 17, 2023, Denver Police officers received a call regarding a stolen truck that belonged to a family who was visiting from out-of-state. When their truck was stolen, it had all the family's travel belongings inside. Detective Felsoci took the case. The stolen truck was recovered, but the family's belongings were not. Detective Felsoci discovered that another vehicle was stolen around the same time as the truck, and that it was recovered with several items in it that did not belong to that owner. Detective Felsoci responded to the house where the second stolen car had been returned, and with permission, entered the vehicle. Detective Felsoci identified the items as those belonging to the family whose truck was stolen. He then went out of his way to bring the items to the family and returned the additional stolen items that were in the stolen vehicle to other victims he worked to identify.

The CAP Board, consisting of 13 volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients, and present awards. Each award winner receives a pin that is worn on the officer's uniform and a plaque. Community members wishing to commend an officer for their actions, either on-duty or off-duty, can send a nomination letter to: Citizens Appreciate Police, 1331 Cherokee St. Room 202, Denver, CO 80204. Nominations can also be emailed directly to the CAP Board at [email protected].

Tagged as:

• Police Department