Juneau Police Department Chief Ed Mercer gave out annual awards for members of the organization who exemplify JPD’s values in a truncated ceremony Friday, said a JPD spokesperson.
The tradition has been going on for at least 20 years, said JPD public safety manager Erann Kalwara. Ordinarily, Kalwara said, the awards come with more pomp and circumstance, but as the pandemic has dragged on, JPD elected to quit postponing and hold an abbreviated and distanced event.
Two civilians and two uniformed officers earned awards. Ana Corcoran, Alyssa Storbeck, Officer Aron Landry and Sgt. Chris Gifford all received plaques commemorating their work.
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Corcoran began work with the City and Borough of Juneau in 2016, beginning with the JPD as a law enforcement records technician in 2019. She was recognized for her communication and faculty for interagency cooperation, seeing her named Civilian of the Year.
Storbeck came to Alaska when her family was brought here by the U.S. Coast Guard. Beginning as a dispatcher in 2016, she became a communications training officer in 2019. Storbeck was recognized for being helpful, supportive and patient when training new staff and in the communications section, according to JPD. These qualities garnered her the award Dispatcher of the Year.
Alyssa Storbeck, right, receives a plaque from Juneau Police Department Chief Ed Mercer naming her his choice for JPD’s Dispatcher of the Year, Sept. 18, 2020. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Police Department)
Landry served for 20 years with the Salt Lake Police Department before hiring on with Juneau in 2018. A field training officer and member of the crisis negotiation time, JPD said he’s known for his thoroughness, professionalism and approachable demeanor, earning him the Officer of the Year.
Courtesy Photos / Juneau Police Department Above, Officer Aron Landry, right, receives a plaque from Juneau Police Department Chief Ed Mercer on Friday naming her his choice for JPD’s Officer of the Year. Right, Ana Corcoran receives a plaque from Mercer naming her his choice for JPD’s Civilian of the Year.
Gifford began a career in law enforcement in Hoonah in the ‘90s and was hired by the JPD in 2000. Gaining the rank of sergeant in 2011, Gifford’s leadership and willingness to engage with any task saw him named Leader of the Year, according to JPD.
Sgt. Chris Gifford receives a plaque from Juneau Police Department Chief Ed Mercer naming her his choice for JPD’s Leader of the Year, Sept. 18, 2020. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Police Department)
Kalwara said that other award ceremonies, such as the JPD’s awards for bravery and excellence in duty, have been temporarily put on hold by the pandemic.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
