JJ, handler named Officers of Year
The police department held its 27th annual awards banquet luncheon in downtown Salt Lake City.
Officer Mike Serio and his K9, "JJ," were honored as the police chief's Officers of the Year. JJ successfully tracked down 271 people during his nearly nine-year career. He was the department's first-ever bloodhound and quickly became recognized by law enforcement both locally and nationally for his uncanny ability to track down missing or wanted people.
His big ears, wet nose and the trademark foghornlike bay he would unleash when he was just about to find a wanted or missing person made him known by law enforcement, and many criminals, across the valley.
On March 14, JJ died after battling cancer for about a year and a half. But even after being diagnosed with the disease, JJ made another 50 captures — including one in which he tracked a suspect three miles before finding him.
Serio received a long standing ovation as he accepted the award Tuesday. But his thoughts were with his former partner and best friend.
Serio is transferring out of the K9 division now that JJ is gone but will help train new officers in the division. Because of JJ's enormous success, the department has acquired two more bloodhounds for its K9 squad.
"I just wish JJ was here. I miss him dearly," Serio said.
Others honored Tuesday included officer Jennifer Diederich, who also received a standing ovation after receiving the Police Medal. It is awarded to officers who put themselves at risk for the purpose of protecting others.
On Oct. 7, 2007, Diederich responded to a stabbing in Pioneer Park in which one person was killed and another critically injured. When she arrived, she found the attacker, still holding a bloody knife. The man charged at Diederich, who was forced to open fire, killing the man.
If she had waited for more backup officers to arrive, investigators believe, the man would have harmed more people.
Senior City Attorney Martha Stonebrook received the Chief's Civilian Employee of the Year award. A Citizen Service Medal was given to Bill Johnson, a retired Salt Lake officer.
The 79-year-old Johnson was tied up after being confronted in his trailer in Wyoming by two murderers who had escaped from the Daggett County Jail. Johnson was able to escape and flag down help. Police say it was because of Johnson's actions the two fugitives were taken back into custody.
The Public Service Medal of Valor was given to Eric Fullerton. Fullerton was at Arby's, 1700 S. Redwood, in June 2007 when Curtis Allgier, a white supremacist who had just killed Department of Corrections guard Stephen Anderson, walked into the restaurant and threatened to kill an employee.
Fullerton jumped in to help the employee and wrestled the gun away from Allgier. During the confrontation, Allgier cut Fullerton on the throat with a knife. For his bravery, Fullerton has also been honored by the Utah State Legislature and the South Salt Lake City Council.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
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