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ADPS takes a night to recognize its own
5/17/2008 12:23 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By KAREN DAILY
Staff writer
They're the "best of the best."
Aiken Public Safety Director Pete Frommer said he wouldn't mince words when describing the officers and employees at the department.
"I have just one word - wow," he said.
For more than 25 years, the men and women of Public Safety have set aside an evening to spend together to honor their own.
"This the time when we show them our appreciation," Frommer said.
The department's employees and their spouses who gathered at Newberry Hall Friday evening rose to their feet as the Officer of the Year, Sgt. Wilson Dandy, was honored for his service to the community and department.
A member of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, helping fellow officers recover from traumatic incidents, Dandy has proven to be a leader among his peers, as well as in the community.
"He is also the department's downtown ambassador in working face-to-face with the merchants to make working and visiting downtown Aiken safer," said last year's Officer of the Year Lt. Phil Kestin, one of the night's masters of ceremonies.
"He works with disadvantaged youth in coaching a youth football team and has recently started an afterschool chess club to mentor and guide troubled kids," Kestin said.
As Dandy stood up to accept his award, he walked past tables where his peers had been sitting. Already on their feet, most patted him on the back and some called out his name.
Having served at the department for more than 20 years, Dandy has paved the way for those who continue to rise through the ranks, his fellow brethren said - young officers like this year's Rookie of the Year, Steve Miano.
Described as a levelheaded officer with sound judgment, Miano has already established roots in Aiken.
Upon graduation from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, Miano received the J.P. Storm award for academic excellence in his class. For each graduation class, only one officer is honored with the acknowledgment.
Miano also volunteers his time to train with the Aiken Bloodhound Team and participates in Aiken High School's assistant school resource officer program. He also assists in coaching youth baseball and participates regularly in police and fire-related educational programs at several elementary schools.
Dandy and Miano were one of a handful nominated by department members for their standout status.
"Many are nominated but only a few are selected," Frommer said. "It is a significant honor."
Other standouts are Employee of the Year, Hubert Pridgen; Distinguished Service Award winner, Ellen Shelley; Nova Award winner, Robert Ramos, a driver operator, and volunteer firefighter of the year, Rich Koblin.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com



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