Officers Receive CAP Award for Acts of Compassion and Generosity

Officers Receive CAP Award for Acts of Compassion and Generosity

Published on January 08, 2025

DENVER - Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - Today, the nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized four Denver Police officers and one Denver Police Outreach Case Coordinator who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion to those in our community.

Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes Denver Police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 550 officers have received the CAP award and pin, which is the only civilian award worn on the officers' uniforms.

"It is our honor to recognize the Denver Police officer's receiving a CAP Award and show how truly grateful we are as community for these officers who have gone above and beyond in their service to Denver community members" said Christie Mochoruk, CAP Board Co-Chair. "It's important to our CAP Board to recognize and share these amazing stories with our Denver community."

"I want to thank the CAP for their recognition of the outreach case coordinator and these four officers. Members of the Denver Police Department routinely go above and beyond while performing their duties, working to find all possible solutions with the resources they have at their disposal. These individuals recognized today are just another example of that," said Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas. "The Denver Police Department and I are very proud of those being honored for their exemplary work. Their commitment to making a positive impact in the community truly shows in these challenging situations."

Today's CAP Award honorees are Officer Georgia Cameron, Denver Police Outreach Case Coordinator Allison Parker, Officer Jake Odendahl, Technician Kayla Knabe, and Technician Glenn Main. The officers and case coordinator worked individually and collectively in three separate instances that showed why they are deserving of this recognition.

Officer Georgia Cameron and Outreach Case Coordinator Allison Parker

Prior to the school year starting, a juvenile was assaulted, and his jaw was broken. He started the school year with screws holding his mouth together and always had a face mask on due to fear of infection. Sadly, his family struggled to get him to the doctor, and the screws began to push themselves to the surface of his skin, causing lesions. A physician assistant at a Denver Health clinic told the juvenile and his family that if the screws were not immediately removed, he was looking at a more than 60% chance he would get a septic infection that would end his life within the year. The family took him to the dentist, only to be told he would have to see an oral surgeon. They were quoted $800 for the surgery, which they couldn't afford.

School Resource Officer Georgia Cameron was made aware of this situation by concerned teachers, and her joy that the boy had finally gone in to receive treatment turned to despair that the boy and his family had given up trying and that he was prepared to potentially die due to these complications. Officer Cameron had recently been shadowed by Allison Parker, one of DPD's Outreach Case Coordinators who help residents to navigate and obtain various services through city agencies and non-profit organizations. OCC Parker jumped into action, and in less than two weeks was able to arrange for his surgery to be paid in full -- and through persistence and the help of a teacher, the team was able to overcome the family's distrust of police to accept the assistance. Following the surgery, the boy's jaw is fully healed, and he was able to smile for the first time since the injury. The boy credits the department with saving his life and his smile and has developed a strong relationship with Officer Cameron and OCC Parker.

Officer Jake Odendahl

On April 17, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call for service in a downtown parking lot. Upon arrival, Officer Jake Odendahl contacted two adults accompanied by three young children between one and five years of age. Officer Odendahl approached the family and worked to identify the cause of the disturbance. The family explained they were seeking permanent housing in Seattle, WA and had traveled from Manitou Springs to Denver by bus. Upon arriving in Denver, they discovered their children's clothing, birth certificates, and other sensitive and essential documents were left behind in Manitou Springs. The family called the hotel in Manitou Springs and confirmed hotel staff had possession of their items. However, due to their financial situation and lack of transportation, they were unable to return to Manitou Springs to retrieve their documents, would miss their pre-paid bus trip to Seattle, and would be unable to enter assisted housing once in Seattle.

Officer Odendahl recognized the precarious situation the family was in and quickly formulated a plan to address the situation with his knowledge of department resources and cooperating agencies. Officer Odendahl, with assistance from the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program and a DPD District One co-responder, coordinated temporary housing, procured new bus tickets, and provided groceries for the family's layover in Denver. After transporting the family to a local hotel, Officer Odendahl contacted police in Manitou Springs and coordinated the recovery of the family's belongings. Officer Odendahl agreed to meet with officers from Manitou Springs at the El Paso County border. Officer Odendahl was able to secure the missing property and return it to the family bringing a happy conclusion to a very tough situation.

Technician Kayla Knabe and Technician Glenn Main

On July 24, 2024, Technician Kayla Knabe and Technician Glenn Main, who are Community Resource Officers for Denver Police District Six, hosted a mini "Cookout with the Cops" event at Warren Residences, a supportive housing complex for individuals transitioning from homelessness. The officers also welcomed members from the Denver Dream Center's Thrive Apprentice Program. The Thrive Apprentice Program is made up justice-impacted men and it provides support for the apprentices, helping them to reintegrate into society after lengthy incarceration and drastically reduces recidivism. Technicians Knabe and Main personally paid for half of the food, grilled and served all 50 attendees, but most importantly, they fostered community and collaboration.

The CAP Board, consisting of 16 citizen volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients, and present awards. Each award winner receives a pin that is worn on the officer's uniform and a plaque. Community members wishing to commend an officer for their actions, either on-duty or off-duty, can send a nomination letter to: Citizens Appreciate Police, 1331 Cherokee St. Room 202, Denver, CO 80204. Nominations can also be emailed directly to the CAP Board at [email protected].

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