in a virtual ceremony, the nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized seven Denver Police officers and one Mental Health Clinician who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion in helping people in our community.
Formed in 1978, 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 400 officers have received the CAP award.
Denver Police Officer Awards
2021 CAP Award honorees are: Officer Jared Feher contacted a man experiencing homelessness in 2019 and his broken-down car. Thanks to Officer Feher, the man now has a running vehicle and a friend at DPD.
Officer William Rider responded to a crash in 2019 involving a juvenile who was riding a bicycle. While the kid’s bike was damaged, luckily the boy wasn’t hurt. Officer Rider gave the mom money for a new bike for the boy.
Officer Derek Hancock was alerted about a traveler who was causing a disturbance in 2020. The traveler was upset because he missed the flight that he was taking to attend a funeral out of state. Officer Hancock helped him find a new airline, and used his own money to purchase the ticket.
Officers Matthew Grimsley and Saira Mendoza and Clinician Heather Crawford –were called to a person throwing objects at vehicles driving on Interstate 25 in 2020. Due to COVID-19, they found some additional resources to keep him occupied and improve his quality of life.
Officer Patrick Smith was contacted by a woman whose son who was murdered 25 years ago. She contacted the detective in 2020 on an open case. Officer Smith stopped by to bring her flowers and a card, and to let her know that he was thinking of her and her family on this difficult day.
Corporal Noberto learned that a resident had a birthday party for his son, and no one attended it. Ricardo arranged a police parade with 10 police units and a Denver Health ambulance. After the parade, with the financial assistance of Police Officer Julian Simon, Corporal Ricardo and Officer Smith presented the birthday boy with gifts they purchased for his special day.
The CAP Board, consisting of 16 citizen volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients, and present awards. Nominations can also be emailed directly to the CAP Board at CAPBoardDenver@gmail.com.