Cpl. Sandra Hickey named 2016 Officer of the Year

After 28 year of service, Cpl. Sandra Hickey was named the Officer of the Year during the Columbus Police Department’s Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Hickey, who serves as a digital forensic investigator with the Special Victims Unit, was given the award for the work she has done on and off duty since she joined the department on Oct. 10, 1988. Her skills have been a major asset to numerous cases, Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said.

“Her forensic analysis of computers and cellphones have been instrumental in solving a number of homicides, robberies and sexual offenses,” he said. “The digital forensic testimony in court is invaluable not only to us and the victims, but to prosecutors and judges in this area.”

When accepting the award, Hickey thanked God and those who have contributed to her success.

“It’s an honor to receive this reward, and I’m proud to receive it,” she said. “... I accept this reward with gratitude and a humble heart.”

Hickey was among several employees recognized during the ceremony.

Officer Jason Carden and Sgt. Wade Cook earned the Medal of Honor, which is granted to those who show exceptional bravery beyond the call of duty. They rescued a man who jumped into the Chattahoochee River from the Dillingham Street Bridge, Boren said.

Carden was also given the Lifesaving Award for reviving a woman after her heart stopped at the Piggly Wiggly on Brown Avenue. He was off duty at the time.

Sgt. Charles Lee was given the same accolade for saving a customer who was choking on food at Shane’s Rib Shack on Veterans Parkway.

Leann Burton, a communications technician, was given the Community Service Award for selfless, civic response to families and children in time of need, Boren said.

Grenada Wilder, Christina Baum, Alice Valle, Justin Culpepper, Kelly Jones, Tracie Bell and Julie Ables were given the Meritorious Service Award, which honors those who consistently exceed normal requirements with at least one specific act of outstanding performance.

Among the dozens honored for Safe Driving Award was Assistant Police Chief Lt. Lem Miller, who practiced safe driving for 40 years.

The top recipients of the Service Award were Capt. Paul Ezell, Lt. John McMichael, Maj. Gil Slouchick and Maj. Stanley Swiney, who have all been with the department for 40 years.

Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom Service Awards were given to James Bezner, Seth Bierman, Bobby Jackson, Victor Ortega, John Poe and Donald Rambo.

Boren also took a moment to honor organizations, companies, churches and an individual who have shown an exceptional amount of support to the department this year through various actions, such as hosting a luncheon for its members. The recipients were World Changes Tabernacle, Healing Stream Ministries, Olive Garden, Brookstone School, Rose Hill Church of Christ, TSYS, Back Columbus Blue and volunteer Clyde Miller.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Cpl. Sandra Hickey named 2016 Officer of the Year."