ARLINGTON – Kendahl Beecher walked away with some serious hardware at the recent Arlington Police Department’s annual award ceremony.

Beecher not only won Employee of the Year honors, but she, along with fellow officer Alex Donchez, also won the police chief’s Community Engagement Award.

That award recognizes efforts to build sustainable partnerships for reducing crime, protecting law enforcement’s image and applying a collective vision for the benefit of the community.

For the top award, since 2003 the department has honored employees who display excellence that year. Employees are nominated by peers and/or supervisory staff, and upon concurrence of command staff. Employees who receive this honor display the highest values of the police profession, including Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Professionalism and Innovation.

Officer Luke Adkins also won two awards.

The Chief’s DUI Award is given in recognition of efforts to reduce traffic fatalities through enforcement of DUI laws and the apprehension of intoxicated drivers operating on the roadways of Snohomish County. He also won the Chief’s Traffic Enforcement Award. It is presented for efforts to increase public safety on the streets and highways of Arlington through use of enforcement and education in addressing dangerous behaviors that compromise traffic safety.

The department also honored community members, volunteers and other city staff for contributions in supporting the APD. Community Awards were given in recognition of dedication to community partnerships through commitment to public safety and support of the APD. Winners were: Jeremiah McKinley, Vine Street Group for donation of ATV; and Jen Bilow, Smokey Point Starbucks for hosting 10 Conversations with Cops.

Volunteer Awards were presented in recognition of exemplary efforts to provide customer service. The volunteers have displayed integrity and sense of civic duty in playing a key role to help meet the department’s mission to improve the quality of life in Arlington. Winners were: Kimberly Casteel, for community outreach coordination, Pennies for Puppies and K9 Fundraising; and Jorge Sanguinetti, for technical advisory and language translation services.

The Chief’s Service Award is in recognition of efforts to improving the safety and functionality of the APD. The winner was Scott Black, for outstanding service reflecting credit upon himself, the city’s Maintenance & Operations Department and the city.

Meanwhile, the APD’s newest officer was sworn in Jan. 16. Officer Mike McQuoid began his career with Arlington in 1999. In 2013, McQuoid left for a job with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, but now is back.