APD gives out year-end awards

ASHEBORO — In December, the Asheboro Police Department held its 2025 Awards Ceremony/Christmas Dinner at Sunset Avenue Church of God. 

Chief Robert L. Brown, Jr. and HR Director Doug Kemp presented several awards.

Here’s a recap from the Dec. 10 event

Top Gun Award

The recognition of Top-Gun is given to a police officer that is the most proficient with his/her service weapons. The overall best score that can be obtained is 425.

■ 1. PO2 Matthew Bym (Overall Top Gun 425)

■ 2. PO2 Stephen Johnson (Top-Gun Runner-Up 425)

■ 3. Sergeant Riley Williamson (419) 

■ 4. Captain Mike Jones (418.4)

■ 5. Master Lieutenant Corey Hatfield (417.6)

■ 6. Master Lieutenant Jeremiah Callicutt (414.2)

DWI Award

■ PO1 Nathan Otero 24 DWI Arrests in 2025

NC Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate

■ PO1 Cody Evans

■ PO2 Jason Workman 

■ PO2 Matthew Gardner 

■ PO2 Spencer Hamilton 

■ MPO Alyssa Nance 

■ MPO Hunter Craig 

■ MPO Ethan Williamson

NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate

■ MPO Chad Mitchell 

■ MPO Alyssa Nance 

■ MPO Hunter Craig

■ PO2 Matthew Bym 

■ MPO Hunter Craig 

■ MPO Katlyn Hurley 

■ MPO Ethan Williamson

■ SPO Logan Conner

POPAT Award 

(POPAT stands for Police Officer Physical Abilities Test)

■ Master Lieutenant Jeremiah Callicutt, 2025 Top Performer

NC Justice Academy Traffic Crash Investigation and Reconstruction Certificate

■ MPO Justin Moody

The NCJA Traffic Crash Investigation and Reconstruction Certificate is awarded to officers who complete rigorous technical training in traffic crash investigation through the NC Justice Academy, totaling 421 hours.

Team/Unit/Division Commendation

■ Special Operations

The Asheboro Police Department recognizes a team/unit/division each year for their outstanding performance and dedication to the citizens of Asheboro. 

The 2025 Unit Commendation goes to Special Operations, which is comprised of the Community Resource Team, Park Rangers, School Resource Officers, and DARE. 

Members of Special Operations:  MLt Greg Routh, Sgt. Jess Hunter, PO II Tatiana Lopez, MPO Russ Smith, MPO Joel Councilman, MPO Alan Henson, MPO Bradley Faw, MPO Katlyn Hurley, PO II Elizabeth Cornejo, and PO II Magan Williamson 

Police Commendation Award

■ Sgt. Matthew Kiser

The Police Commendation Award is given to any active member of the department who has made a significant contribution to the mission of the department beyond the ordinary call of duty. 

Since 2022, the City of Asheboro has had an overall decrease of 37.7% in violent offenses. Sergeant Kiser, in his role as Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, has played a critical role in decreasing violent crime in the community.

Merit Award

■ Lt. Jeremy Sudduth

Merit is awarded to any active member of the department for acts involving personal risk-posing hazards that could lead to serious injury or loss of life to the member.

Lt. Sudduth ran down and jumped into a car that was rolling down a hill, bringing it to a stop. The car was occupied by two female passengers and no driver. Because of Lt. Sudduth’s swift actions, there were no serious injuries, loss of life, or 3rd party property damage in this incident. 

Life-Saving Award

■ Sgt. Eric Snodgrass 

■ PO2 Matthew Bym

The Life-Saving Award is given to any active member of the department who saves or attempts to save a human life through application of medical efforts exceeding the normal call of duty. The saving or attempting to save a life is by rescue of a person that is in imminent danger of death.

Sgt. Snodgrass and PO2 Bym, both well-trained SWAT Team members, provided life-saving medical aid to a gunshot victim in an uncertain atmosphere. This care consisted of applying pressure on a cut artery and packing the bullet wound with gauze. Their swift actions saved this victim’s life. 

Civilian Employee of the Year

■ Jasmine Sandage (Animal Control Officer)

The Civilian Employee of the Year is awarded to a non-sworn employee and chosen by the Asheboro Police Department Command Staff. This employee is nominated and chosen for their outstanding work performance, professional accomplishments, and their willingness to go above and beyond. 

Police Officer of the Year

■ PO1 Nathan Otero

Police Officer of the Year is awarded to an officer nominated by their team supervisors and then chosen by the Asheboro Police Department Command Staff.  This officer is nominated and chosen for their outstanding work performance, professional accomplishments, positive attitude, and their willingness to go above and beyond. 

Supervisor of the Year

■ Lt. Jacob Kennedy

Supervisor of the Year is awarded to a supervisor nominated by their peers and chosen by the Asheboro Police Department Command Staff.  This award highlights a supervisor who is respected by their officers, the public, and APD Command Staff.  This supervisor is trusted to handle complex issues, critical incidents, and special assignments.