From Staff Reports and The Apopka Police Department
The Apopka Police Department announced its individual awards for 2022 on their Facebook page last week. Among the awardees are Sergeant Jason Berry (Supervisor of the Year), Angela Ballas (Communications Technician of the Year), and Steve Hooks (Volunteer of the Year).
Sergeant Jason Berry - Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Jason Berry began his career at the Apopka Police Department as a member of the Patrol Services Division in 2009 where he eventually became a Field Training Officer.
In 2016, Berry was promoted to a Corporal and then earned the rank of Sergeant in 2019. Since then, he has taken on additional roles as a leader on the Bike/ERT unit as well as recently being appointed the Awards Committee Chairman.
Since being promoted, Berry has excelled as a supervisor within the department. He has gained the respect of his peers, is firm but fair with his officers, and genuinely cares about everyone’s well-being. Sergeant Berry always remains current in agency policies, legal updates, and law enforcement trends; which is seen in his ability to navigate his squad through almost any situation with confidence. He doesn’t hesitate to step up and take on new tasks; which are always completed competently.
Overall, Sergeant Berry is hard working, has a great attitude, and sets the example for others to follow. It is for these reasons that he has been selected as the Supervisor of the Year. Congrats Jason, job well done!
Angela Ballas - Communications Technician of the Year
Angela Ballas has trained, supported and encouraged many new hires during this past year. Their success has been due to the commitment and dedication of Communication Technician Ballas. She documents Daily Observation Report’s - DOR's thoroughly and ensures the trainee feels motivated and encouraged at the same time. This past year was filled with many training and mentoring opportunities and Ms. Ballas rose to the occasion as one of the best. Congratulations Angela and well deserved!
Steve Hooks - Volunteer of the Year
In the past year, Steve has accumulated 274.5 volunteer hours. 162 of those hours are from handling the Citizens On Patrol Program (driving program). Steve is everywhere, assisting with what he can, and quite honestly, has been a great leader and mentor with this volunteer program. The Apopka Police Department is very lucky to have Steve (and Sharen…the 2-4-1 special). Steve takes charge of the Citizen On Patrol vehicles. He gets them ready for the members to drive, he makes sure they are gassed up, and makes sure they get to fleet for proper maintenance. Steve helps with the training of new Citizens Police Academy members who plan to drive and he is there to help guide them if they have questions or concerns.
The following are some of the hours Steve volunteered for during the year 2022: 50 hours – K9 Field/Gun range Restoration, 11 hours – Shop W/ A Cop, 6 hours– Cop & Bobbers, 22.5 hours Apopka High School Football Games, 8 hours – National Night Out, 10 hours– Apopka Christmas Parade, 1 hour– Youth Academy Grilling for the kids, 2 hours – Volunteer Picnic Prep, and 2 hours – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. Congratulations Steve, we appreciate you!
For a look at the Officer, Rookie, and Civilian of the Year awardees,
go here.
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