2009 News Archive 

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Special Olympics recognizes JCPD

Chief Ed Densmore, Maj. John Clifton and Sgt. Debra Kalish accept the 2009 "Rookie Department of the Year" award from Special Olympics Georgia.

Special Olympics Georgia recently recognized the Johns Creek Police Department with its "Rookie Department of the Year" award for their support of this year's Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Allison H. Kaczenski, Director of Special Events and Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics Georgia presented Chief Ed Densmore with the award at the Oct. 26 City Council meeting. The department raised $26,171.58 in its first-ever participation in the Torch Run activities, exceeding their goal of $20,000 and placing them third among all departments in the state.

Special Olympics Georgia also named Maj. John Clifton its 2009 "Rookie of the Year" in the state for his work in leading JCPD's participation.

Maj. John Clifton and Special Olympics Ambassador Ashley Lebowitz celebrate Clifton's "Rookie of the Year" award.

"The Johns Creek Police Department took on the daunting task of not only creating a police department from scratch but also to create one that is community oriented," Kaczenski told the Mayor and Council. "Through Chief Densmore's leadership and with the guidance of Maj. Clifton, all goals for the department were met and their ranking of number three in the state is incredible for a first-year department."

Kaczenski noted the department's multiple fundraising activities, which included a golf tournament and participation in "Cops on Shops."

CH2M Hill Project Manager Buzz Boehm accepts appreciation award from Police Chief Ed Densmore.

They also adopted Johns Creek resident and Special Olympian, Ashley Lebowitz, as their athlete ambassador. Ashley and her family participated in all the department's events and were on hand for the awards presentation.

CH2M Hill, the city's private partner that provides the majority of public services in Johns Creek, was a major contributor to the department's effort.

The Englewood, CO-based engineering, operations and maintenance firm donated almost $6,000 in support of JCPD's fundraising. Company officials also arranged for NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving to participate in the golf tournament. Chief Densmore presented an appreciation award to CH2M Hill Program Manager Buzz Boehm in recognition of those contributions.

"Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to the 23,000 athletes of Special Olympics," Kaczenski said.