The University of Georgia Police Department hosted its annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, February 25 at its training facility. A total of 40 officers and non-sworn personnel, along with two citizens, were presented with awards for their remarkable acts of service in 2024.
Sergeant Preston Norris was named Employee of the Year. During 2024, Sergeant Norris was involved in responding to and investigating several major incidents, including an armed robbery, a death investigation, and a murder investigation.
Sergeant Norris maintained a positive and willing attitude while facing the stress and pressure generated by these investigations. His professionalism embodies the values that UGPD strives for in its officers and supervisors. He was also named the Sworn Administrative Staff of the Year.
The 2024 Lifesaving Award was awarded to Corporal Parker George and SPO Gabby Richards. This award is awarded to an employee, or group of employees, for actions taken in the line of duty that save the life of another.
In 2024, three outstanding individuals tied at 98% for the Top Gun Award. Several officers received the Excellence in Marksmanship Award for scoring 90% or better on their first attempt during their annual firearm qualification.
The department strives to recognize and officially commend those who have brought honor to themselves and the department. Chief of Police Jeff Clark said, “Today, we are here to celebrate and recognize the outstanding officers who have gone above and beyond in their service to our community, our campus, and our agency throughout the year”.
The following commendations were awarded to members of the University of Georgia Police Department and community partners:
2024 UGPD Awards
Jeff Whitfield Crisis Response Award
- Tyler Griffith
- Matthew Mortensen
- Caroline Scott-Howells
- Michael Creech (University Health Center/UGPD Co-Responder)
Lifesaving Award
- Parker George
- SPO Gabby Richards
Community Partnership Award
- Sheila Ross (Prosecuting Attorney’s Council)
- GBI Region 11
Top Gun Award
- SPO Noah Faulkner
- Ty Vickery
- Lance Tipton
Peer Awards
2024 Administrative / Support Employee of the Year– Courtney Bonds
2024 Communications Officer of the Year- CO Elyse Paul
2024 Sworn Officer of the Year- Cpl. Caroline Scott-Howells
2024 Sworn Administrative Staff of the Year- Sgt. Preston Norris
2024 Employee of the Year- Sgt. Preston Norris
