Award Information
The American Police Canine Association recognizes and honors those team members who display a professional pattern of service and or action of conduct, which in consideration by their peers in law enforcement, to be above and beyond the call “To Protect and Serve”. These law enforcement officers are most deserving and appreciated for their professionalism, contributions, dedication, and commitment to the betterment of the police canine service.
The Police Canine Service Awards comprise of three (3) awards categories. The eligibility requirements for each of these awards are set forth as follows:
Uncommon Valor in the Line of Duty
This award is the most prestigious honor granted and presented on behalf of the American Police Canine Association. Nominees for this award are reserved for canine handlers, canine partners, and or the canine team. Individuals being nominated and considered for this award must possess the following requirements:
- Be a member in good standing with the American Police Canine Association at the time of nomination.
- Be a member in good standing with the American Police Canine Association at the time of the incident.
- Must be nominated by a sworn law enforcement officer, who personally witnessed the action(s) taken and or possesses written and factual information from law enforcement sources that would support consideration of the Uncommon Valor in the Line of Duty Award.
- Displayed actions of Uncommon Valor during the performance of their official law enforcement duties, which subjected the nominee(s) to imminent death and or serious injury, which led to the termination of the incident and or displayed the same to save others from death or severe injury.
- Nominee(s) were serving in department authorized canine service duties at the time of the incident in which one and or both members actions of the team were required to terminate the incident.
Quinn Jackson Witherspoon Leadership Award – #459
This award is dedicated to the memory of Officer Quinn Jackson Witherspoon, who wore the badge number #459 with the Concord, North Carolina Police Department. Quinn lived his life as a portrait to the service of his fellow man. He will forever be remembered for the many lives he touched and for his immense leadership, dedication, and commitment he gave to his family, friends, law enforcement, the police canine service, and his community. Quinn’s motto he lived by was “Do the right thing”. Individuals being nominated and considered for this award must possess the following requirements:
- Be a member of good standing with the American Police Canine Association. Must be nominated by a sworn law enforcement officer with prior knowledge of the person’s career and life commitment towards the betterment, education, training, and support of the police canine service.
Excellence in Service Award
This award is in recognition of excellence in service toward the betterment of the police canine service and the American Police Canine Association. Nominee(s) consideration for this award is based upon their extensive service, commitment, and dedication in assisting the continued growth and development of the police canine profession. Nominees may also receive consideration based upon an exceptionally performed canine duty assignment. Individuals being nominated and considered for this award must also possess the following requirements: Be a member of good standing with the American Police Canine Association. Must be nominated by a sworn law enforcement officer, who possesses supported information concerning specific contributions, and or duty assignments performed by the nominee for consideration of the Excellence in Service Award. Nomination Procedures Forward a written letter of nomination on department letterhead, which provides clear and specific information, which may include case reports, media articles, letters of correspondence, etc that document the nominee(s) qualifications in consideration for the awards category being nominated.
Letter of nomination must be forwarded via certified registered mail to the American Police Canine Association Awards Committee Chairman, which is post marked no later than sixty (60) days prior to the National Workshop.
Send Nominations to:
Jesse Crane
jcrane2@bedford.in.us
Upon receipt of letters of nomination, the Awards Committee Chairman will notify in writing the nominee of the award for which they are to be considered.
A review of the information provided will be conducted and if required, further investigation may be taken by the committee in order to confirm facts contained in the letter of nomination.
A majority decision by the Awards Committee will then approve or deny the award for which consideration was requested. The Committees decision is final.
The Awards Committee chairman shall then notify the association’s President of awards approved by the Awards Committee. The President shall then notify the approved nominee in writing, as to the time and place for the presentation of the award.
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