The Bismarck Police Department held an award ceremony Monday to honor employees and citizens who, because of their actions during the past year, are deserving of recognition.

Below is a list of the awards given and the recipients.

Employee of the Year SwornOfficer Jerry Stein – Detective Section

Employee of the Year Non Sworn Melissa Hilsendeger – Animal Control

Hostile Engagement AwardOfficer Garner Jones III – Honored for actions taken when physically assaulted by a combative suspect

Meritorious Service AwardFormer Sergeant Nolan Canright- Honored for actions taken when confronted by an armed suspect

Life Saving AwardOfficer Scarlett Vetter Officer Jessica Helgeson – Both honored for actions taken during a medical emergency, resulting in the saving of a life.

Distinguished Service AwardDetective Brandon Rask –Honored for his work on a child sexual predator investigations

Letter of RecognitionOfficer Mike Kapella-Honored for actions taken during a medical emergency
Officer David Stewart-Honored for actions taken during a medical emergency

Safe Driving Certificate – Given to members of the department who routinely or on occasion perform their duties in a department vehicle and have not been the cause of a traffic crash in five years. Thirteen employees and five Police Department sections received this award.

Meritorious Citizen Award: The recipients of this award were honored for actions taken that involved the risk of injury or death to the nominee or another person.
David Berdal
Benjamin Berdal
Breanna Nehl
Jill Monroe
Shannon Johnson
Gina Phillips

Certificate of Appreciation: The recipients of this award were honored for actions taken that affected the outcome of a situation for the betterment of a person or the community.
Jazmin Richardson
Tishina Kastrow