Kravis Center: Annual West Palm Beach Police Awards

THE FUND for West Palm Beach Police supports public safety programs that keep the quality of life in the city at the highest level. The Police Awards promote excellence in police performance by honoring distinguished service.

Over 300 hundred guests attended a buffet brunch at the Kravis Center, followed by a ceremony awarding police with citations, medals, trophies, and cash. All police personnel were invited as guests of THE FUND.

The event was chaired by Bill Bone, who also served as master of ceremonies in his singular style. The ballroom was fashioned with elegant orchid centerpieces generously donated by Virginia and John Gildea.

Event highlights include Joe Plumeri, member at large, presenting Lifesaving Medals to 10 officers. Recipients were Scott Bales, Jeremy Banks, Paul Creelman, Anthony Goindoo, Demetrius Latham, Nashawn Quinn, Christopher Rekdahl, Deanna Rideau, Christopher Tatumn and Martin Warshaw.

Al Adelson, chair of THE FUND, presented THE FUND Award to Rodney Archer. Mayor Keith James presented the Community Outreach Award to Detective Brian McDaniel and Ann-Marie Taylor presented the Civilian of the Year Award to Crime Analyst Nutan Basant. Patrick Harrison presented the Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award to Emergency Communications Center Supervisor Candace Pittman. Ned Grace presented the Investigator of the Year Award to Detective Edward Tavcar. Thomas Gravina presented the Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award to Strategic Intelligence and Auto Crimes Unit Supervisor Sergeant Jose Matias and Robert Garvy presented Officer of the Year Award to Officer Eugene Jones.

All award recipients were chosen independently of THE FUND by the Police Awards Committee, chaired by Lt. Sterling Kihei.

Programs sponsored by THE FUND include Cops & Scholars, Run with the Cops, Shop with a Cop, Community Events Trailer, Police Dogs, Tamarind Slam, Holiday Meals and Operation “PUSH.”