By Shannon Lukens. Courtesy photos.
Steamboat Springs Police have presented Leadership Awards to six people officers and citizens in the community.
The Leader of the Year Award goes to Sergeants Braxton Shirley and Greg Griffin, in honor and memory of Sgt. Jeff Wilson. Officer Lane Lee is the Officer of the Year. Community Service Officer Adrian Najera is the Professional Staff of the Year. The Citizen Award goes to Mindy Marriott with REPS which is Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, and to Shelby Dewolfe with the Steamboat Springs School District. Pictures and more details are below.
Wednesday evening is a pinning ceremony for new SSPD officers. This is at 5:30 p.m. in the CLEF building. Here is who is being recognized:
Pinning of officers
- Officer Jordan Alpers (new)
- Officer Amy Mink (new)
- Detective Michael Buccino (promotion – special assignment unit)
- Detective Dunte Valrey (promotion – special assignment unit)
- Detective Jessica Pierce (promotion – investigations)
Honorable Mention
- Detective Tabitha Alt
- Officer Caleb Schultz
Awards – Life Saving Award
- Lidia Frescas
- Lonny Shaw
- Greg Griffin
Commendation
- Christian Barnett
More on the Story — SSPD welcomes new officers, and promotes and honors others
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Jan. 29, 2025.
SSPD Leadership Awards Recognize Six Individuals
Leader, Officer, Professional & Citizen of the Year Recognition Announced
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 29, 2025-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) presented leadership awards to six individuals during the department’s appreciation function last week.
“We’re fortunate to have so many dedicated officers and staff serving our community,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “These recipients set a high standard for excellence, and I know will inspire all of us to strive to be our best every day for each other, for the department and for our city.”
Police Chief Beckett and Commander Rich Brown along with nominating individuals presented Sergeant Braxton Shirley and Sergeant Greg Griffin with the Leader of the Year Award named in honor of Sgt. Jeff Wilson, Officer Lane Lee with Officer of the Year, Community Service Officer Adrian Najera with Professional Staff of the Year, and Mindy Marriott and Shelby Dewolfe with the Citizen Award.
“Braxton, Greg, Lane and Adrian rose to the top of a very competitive field and stood out for their leadership roles within the department, and I couldn’t be prouder to recognize their leadership roles,” continued Beckett. “Partnerships allow officers to excel often during difficult and stressful situations and my gratitude goes out to Mindy and Shelby for all they have done for our community and the valuable expertise they provide SSPD.”
SSPD Leadership Awards Recipients:
Braxton Shirley – Jeff Wilson Memorial Leader of the Year
Sergeant Shirley was recognized as a great mentor and coach for his patrol staff, holding them accountable and encouraging strong work performance. He has grown into a collaborative leader on the administrative side and selflessly worked extra hours to cover patrol staffing needs.
Greg Griffin – Jeff Wilson Memorial Leader of the Year
Sergeant Griffin is at the forefront of changes and improvements to SSPD’s organization, operations and culture. This past year, he took on the role of co-range master and attained instructor status for rapid response tactics, contact team deployment, high-risk contacts & stops and active shooter training. Griffin holds leadership positions with Northwest Colorado POST Board and Routt County Combined SWAT Team. He is a member of the 14th Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team, SSPD Strategic Planning Committee, and an instructor at Colorado Mountain College CLETA Training Academy.
Lane Lee – Officer of the Year
New to law enforcement, Officer Lee was recognized for his professional response to several challenging calls this past year. He received a lifesaving award for one incident, where he weighed his own safety for the critical response necessary to save the victim’s life.
Adrian Najera – Professional Staff of the Year
A team player who is always there to help, CSO Najera is willing to going above and beyond each and every day. Najera, who is bi-lingual in English and Spanish, is often called upon to translate for police officers and community members during stressful situations. His positive attitude is contagious, and his work ethic is one that everyone in the department can rely on.
Mindy Marriott – Citizen of the Year
As executive director of REPS, Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, Marriott is called upon for guidance for families and officers during some of the hardest and difficult times. She is a strong and supportive partner who aided officers on a record number of suicide calls this year in Routt and Moffat Counties. Marriott’s experience and training is extremely valuable to officers and critical in assisting the department with suicide attempts and suicidal parties.
Shelby Dewolfe – Citizen of the Year
Being able to bridge the gap between law enforcement and education, Dewolfe builds a model of trust and cooperation as Mental & Behavioral Health and Restorative Practices Manager for the Steamboat Springs School District. A beacon of what true partnership and service looks like, her work has united people, saved lives and set an extraordinary standard for mental health and safety practices.