ARLINGTON – The embedded social worker program in Arlington has been a big success, and to honor that officer Ken Thomas and social worker Britney Sutton were named Police Employees of the Year at a recent awards ceremony.

Honorees display the highest values of the profession including Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Professionalism and Innovation, a city news release Friday says.

The evening started with a special dedication in remembrance of retired Police Chief Steve Robinson, who died in September after a lengthy battle with

Alzheimer’s.

Other honors included:

Valor: Mike McQuoid and Mike Knight

Life-Saving: Officer Shelly Hamel

Commendations: Detective Mike Phillips, officer Molly Ingram, Sgt. Kay Schander

Chief’s Community Engagement Award: School Resource Officer Justin Olson

Chief’s Traffic Enforcement Award: Officer Stephanie Ambrose

Chief’s DUI Award: Officer Alex Donchez

20 Years of Service: Officer Ken Thomas, detective Mike Phillips

15 Years of Service: Sgt. Mike Gilbert; services officer Val Copeland

10 Years of Service: Officers Stephanie Ambrose and Mike Sargent; services technician Karen Waidman

Volunteer Awards: Rich Stommel for customer service, knowledge, can-do attitude and all-around support; Kimberly Casteel for community outreach coordination, Pennies for Puppies and K9 fundraising.

Chief’s Service Award: Tony Orr for outstanding service in the Information Technology department

Community Awards: Cascade Valley Health Foundation for donation of an ATV; Rotary Club for donation of AEDs