First PPD gala a success

PRESCOTT – Billed as “An Enchanted Evening”, the First Annual Prescott Police Department’s gala went off without a hitch Saturday night.

The fundraiser was held at the Barn at Willow Oaks Acres, with a good crowd on hand. The money raised will be used for the department’s community projects such as Blue Santa. This program helps provide gifts to needy children during Christmas. Last year 42 children were held, receiving shoes, three outfits and a toy from their wish list. Prescott Police Chief Ann Jordan said the department hopes to do more this year.

Other projects include summer programs for children, a cool pop program where officers hand out popsicles to children during hot summer days and National Night Out, where officers square off against youngsters in a game of kickball, among others. Most, though, focus on children.

Lynn Vanderveer acted as emcee and welcomed everyone. He pointed out there would be a best dressed contest for men and women.

Jordan told the audience she was thankful for everyone on hand to support the PPD, adding she’s always thinking of something to do. She said she has plans for big things for the community.

Darren Neal was the keynote speaker. He talked of his time with the Arkansas State Police, where he was a supervisor for eight years. He recalled the first time he met Jordan, saying he’d stopped a truck with two people in it and one tried to get around him. He managed to make the arrest. Jordan, he said, had just started as a jailer and stayed with him throughout the booking process. He pointed out she worked her way from jailer to officer to chief and is the second female officer in Nevada County, the first being his wife, Christy.

He said there are good and bad people in all professions but the good shouldn’t be stereotyped with the bad as there are a lot of good ones. Officers, he continued, have to make split-second life or death decisions and don’t have time to think. Law enforcement members, he added, don’t get enough credit or forgiveness for what they do, and all an officer wants to do is be able to go home at the end of their shift.

A tribute for officer S. Virden was held during the gala, with a plaque presented to his daughters. Virden was killed in the line of duty in 1958, Jordan said, and needs to be remembered.

The best dressed honor for female went to Satarra Williams while Brian Jordan took the plaque for the men.

There were also accolades for officers. The administrative award went to Alicia Page, while most improved officer was presented to Mae McKinnon. Hero of the Week went to Cason Lemon.

With the speeches concluded, it was time to announce winners of the silent auction, which was followed by dancing.