Politics & Government

Renton Police Department Members Recognized, Promoted

Three Department members recognized for outstanding service; four promoted.

The Renton Police Department recognized three of its members Monday night at the Renton City Council meeting through an employee-based recognition program.

Each awardee was nominated by their peers, said Chief Kevin Milosevich.

Community Program Coordinator Terri Vickers earned Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2011.

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“Terri Vickers was selected because of her incredible work ethic as well as the quality of the work she performs,” Milosevich said.

In addition to her role as the community program coordinator, Vickers is also one of the Department’s negotiators for Valley Crisis Communication Unit and is the primary Public Information Officer for the Renton Police Department. 

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She has led the Department effort with the annual Return to Renton Car Show, he said. 

Officer Wayne Blackard was selected as both the Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2011 and Employee of the Year for 2011. 

Officer Blackard’s peers selected him because he truly exemplifies the characteristics of an exceptional Renton Police Officer, Milosevich said. In addition to Blackard’s patrol duties, he served as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, a Field Training Officer and Officer in Charge. 

“Officer Blackard leads by example and fosters high standards among his peers. His is a role model with a high degree of professionalism, integrity and character,” Milosevich said. 

He goes above and beyond the scope of his duties and is a go-to resource for line-staff and administration, the Chief said.

Officer Blackard is also active in the community, serving as Vice President on the boards of the Valley Wolfpack Football Team and the South Puget Sound Junior Football League.

“Our local communities and the entire Renton Police Department benefit from the leadership, professionalism, service and hard work that Officer Blackard delivers every day, Milosevich said.

Detective Pete Kordel was selected as Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2011. 

“He truly exemplifies the characteristics of an exceptional Renton Police Officer,” Milosevich said. In addition to being a dedicated and thorough investigator, Detective Kordel works extremely well with his co-workers, peers from other agencies and the prosecutor’s office.”

Detective Kordel’s handling of an extensive embezzlement case involving the Benson Hill Football organization was noted as one of his achievements in addition to his reputation “of always being one of the first to volunteer for cases and is always willing to help others out.”

Chief Milosevich also recognized four department members who were promoted during the last nine months, including Sgt. Jeff Eddy (promoted June 2011), Sgt. John Awai (promoted August 2011), Sgt. Kevin Keyes (promoted March 2012), and Cmdr. Ed VanValey (promoted February 2012).

All four of promoted department members exhibit attributes that the Renton Police Department looks for in current and future leaders, Milosevich said. They've shown a desire to train future officers, are respected throughout the department, lead by example and "display a sincere desire to be the best that they can be," he said.



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