SLIDESHOW: Maricopa police honored at awards banquet

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The Maricopa Police Foundation hosted its second annual banquet Saturday – an event to honor law enforcement and civilian personnel within the Maricopa Police Department.

Those in attendance included Pinal County District Attorney Lando Voyles and city council members Peggy Chapados, Julia Gusse and Bridger Kimball. The event was held within the Province neighborhood. 

During the evening, former Maricopa Mayor Kelly Anderson, president of the foundation, told guests part of Maricopa’s commitment and vision to becoming a self-sustaining city is creating a “safe city.” 

“And when you have a safe city, you have people who want to move there,” Anderson said. “You have businesses that want to do business there. Part of our success – probably 90 percent of our success – is to all of you out there.”

Law enforcement personnel were honored for specific actions performed in the line of duty during the past year. 

Sgt. Stephen Judd was honored as “sergeant of the year,” and Officer Arielle Cohen was given the “officer of the year” award. 

Police Chief Steve Stahl also recognized the families of the officers and said without them, the city’s police would not be able to perform the work they do so well. 

“To know that we’re coming home to a support system helps us so much,” he said. 

The Maricopa Police Foundation in a nonprofit organization that helps raise funds for the city’s police department. 

InMaricopa.com was one of several local businesses that sponsored the banquet.

The video below is a slideshow of Saturday’s event. EMMY award-winning journalist Ken Verdoia, who is featured in the slideshow, hosted the event. Groups of officers received awards for their help in specific cases during the year. Members of the Mesa Police Department were also recognized for their partnership with the agency.