Chief John Drake this afternoon honored the MNPD’s 2024 Employees of the Year, 10 individuals whose dedication, bravery and kindness, from apprehending dangerous felons, to engaging with vulnerable children, to helping co-workers navigate family medical issues, underscore the commitment of this police department and its personnel to our great city.
“These annual ceremonies are a reminder of the incredible public safety work being performed by our employees on a daily basis,” Chief Drake said. “I am so grateful to our entire police department team and their families who support them. They are special people who consistently work through the sacrifices that come with law enforcement careers.”
The 2024 honorees are:
Investigative Services Bureau Investigator of the Year for 2024
Detective Adam Reese from the Homicide Unit
Through his relentless investigation that spanned more than a year into the poisoning death of Jade Benning and her unborn daughter, Detective Reese developed evidence and information that led
to the indictment of her boyfriend, Blaise Taylor, on two counts of first-degree murder in March 2024.
Community Services Bureau Patrol Officers of the Year for 2024
Officers Brandon Pedigo and Cameron Van Der Merwe from the West Precinct
Quick action by Officers Pedigo and Van Der Merwe led to the apprehension of a 15-year-old murder suspect less than 20 minutes after a fatal shooting at Red Caboose Park in Bellevue last May.
Community Services Bureau Investigator of the Year for 2024
Detective Steven Powers from the Midtown Hills Precinct
Outstanding investigative work by Detective Powers led to the identification of a group of juveniles responsible for a series of commercial burglaries largely targeting vape shops, gun stores, and
motorsports dealerships. Multiple charges were placed against four juveniles, two of whom were held as adults their crimes.
Community Services Bureau Community Engagement Officer of the Year for 2024
Officer Dawn Thornsberry from the East Precinct
Officer Thornsberry’s outreach to the children at East Nashville’s Martha O’Bryan Center has not gone unnoticed. As one site coordinator wrote, “She’s become a part of our family…she truly cares…there is an obvious joy she has being around our kids…they light up around her and feel comfortable in her presence.” Officer Thornsberry also works to ensure the safety of the community through helping to identify suspected law breakers and interdicting crime. She has proven herself to be the right combination of community friend and protector.
Support Services Bureau Officers of the Year for 2024
Officer & Helicopter Pilot William Waters
Tactical Flight Officer Graham Binkley
Canine Officer Ryan Coll and partner Diesel
Canine Officer Thomas Smith and partner Talon
Five men involved in shooting at an undercover MNPD detective in East Nashville last June fired more than 30 rounds before running to a stolen vehicle and fleeing Nashville on I-40 into Wilson County. An MNPD helicopter, piloted by Officer Waters with Tactical Flight Officer Binkley at his side, was already in the air and spotted the suspects as they drove onto the interstate. The suspects bailed out on Golden Bear Parkway in Wilson County and fled into the woods. Canine Officers Coll and Smith were guided into the search area by the helicopter crew, leading to the apprehension of all five individuals.
Professional Support Employee of the Year for 2024
Ms. Melissa White from Human Resources
Ms. White’s kindness, empathy and professionalism guide her as she assists all employees through the Family Medical Leave process from start to finish. This is a challenging role as she goes above and beyond to study and familiarize herself with the inner workings of the FMLA process. She always stands ready to assist any of the MNPD’s 2,000 employees with FMLA or HR issues.
*Officers Smith and Binkley are on military assignment and could not attend today’s ceremony.