[slideshow_deploy id=’1399′]Mesquite citizens and Elks Lodge staff gathered Saturday, May 31, 2014 to honor local Police Officers and Emergency Personnel at the Elks Lodge on Riverside Road.

After opening ceremonies, including Dennis Hangey playing the bagpipes and Tony Hardway playing Taps on his trumpet, four members of Mesquite’s departments were honored with awards for their services in 2013. Two others were honored for their services as they prepare for retirement this year.

Employees of the Year

  • Police Officer of the Year –Detective Jordan Bundy: 

In 2006 Jordan Bundy started his law enforcement career with the St. George, Utah police department.  In 2009 Jordan was hired as a lateral police officer for the North Las Vegas Police Department, and in 2011 he wisely joined the Mesquite Police Department, as a lateral police officer.  Since being hired, Jordan has been an incredible asset to the Mesquite Police Department.  He quickly became a field training officer and shift supervisor operating in the capacity of an “Officer in Charge (OIC).”  In 2013 Jordan was promoted to detective and is currently assigned to investigate narcotic related cases.  Jordan is also a member the of Mesquite Police SWAT team.  His knowledge, experience, and work ethic has made him a “go to guy” who is admired by his peers and greatly appreciated by his supervisors.  We salute him for his years of dedication and name him Police Officer of the Year for 2013.

  • Police Civilian Employee of the year – Animal Control Division Manager Joe Macias: 

Joe started his employment with the city in 1998 as a part time animal control officer.  In 2005 Joe became a full time animal control officer and held the position of senior animal control officer.  In 2011 Joe Macias was promoted to Animal Control Division Manager.  Joe currently supervises 1 full time and 1 part time animal control officer, as well as 40 volunteers.  Joe is a great asset to the Mesquite Police Department.  He handles all aspects of the city’s animal related issues.  Joe is a delight to work around and a well-deserved recipient of the Police Civilian Employee of the Year for 2013.

  • Firefighter of the Year – Firefighter/Paramedic and Department Chaplin David Neufeld:

Dave moved to Mesquite in 1999 to start a Bible Church. While sitting in his office one day, Chief Derek Hughes came in to conduct a business inspection and while there asked Dave if he would be interest in trying to become a volunteer firefighter.  In 2002 he successfully became a reserve Fire fighter.  In 2006 he went to Paramedic School and was hired in 2007 as a full time firefighter paramedic.  For the last several years Dave has been taking classes to improve his skills to better serve the Fire Department and our community.  He has taken several classes to become an Instructor and currently teaches CPR to the community and Emergency Medical Services at Dixie State University.  For the last couple of years Dave has also served as the Department Chaplain.  Dave has been with Mesquite Fire Rescue for 12 years, either as a reserve or full time employee and is looking forward to his next 12 years!  He has served this department well especially over the last year as it experienced a number of tragic events that affected the staff both personally and professionally.  On more than one occasion, local residents and co-workers have looked to Dave as a stalwart and trusted public servant during difficult times.  We salute him for his years of dedication and name him Firefighter of the Year 2013.

Special Award  

  • Deputy Chief Richard Resnick:

His EMS career began in 1984 at the young age of 15 when he became a Junior Volunteer on an ambulance in New York City. When he turned 19 he was hired full time with New York City EMS.  At age 20 he became a Dispatch Supervisor for the Long Island Ambulance Co. and by age 21 he earned his Paramedic Certification.  Rick then moved to the Las Vegas area and from 1990 to 2000 worked for Mercy Ambulance & AMR.  From 1992 to 1995 he also served on the Boulder City Fire Department as a Reserve Firefighter.  In 2000, he was hired by the Mesquite Fire Department, as one of the original 3 Paramedic Fire Fighters to start the Advanced Life Support Paramedic services in our community.  In 2003 he was promoted to Lieutenant, 2005 to Captain and in 2010 he was promoted to Deputy Chief.  Because of the resignation of the Fire Chief in November 2013, he was appointed as the Interim Fire Chief and served in that position until Chief Christopher came on board earlier this week.

This Special Award is presented in recognition of his service as the Interim Fire Chief from November 2013 to May 2014.  It is in recognition of his wisdom, leadership and support of the personnel of the Mesquite Fire Department and the citizens they serve.

Retirement recognition

  • Records Clerk Janice Jones: 

Janice started her career with the Mesquite Police Department in 1995 as a Work Card Clerk/Dietitian for the jail.  Janice has worked for the Mesquite Police Department for 19 years in many different office related areas such as data entry, Terminal Agency Control, Evidence Custodian, and Records Clerk.  You name it and she has done it.  Whenever there is a question that someone needs answered, Janice will have the answer.  Janice is well known for her uncanny ability to remember names and faces.  Everyone will sorely miss Janice’s knowledge and wisdom, her baked goods, her smile, and her kind, friendly demeanor.

  • Captain Shane Charles:

Captain Charles started his law enforcement career in 1987 for the Lyman, Wyoming Police Department.  Shane came to the Mesquite Police Department in 1995.  He quickly promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1997 and served in that capacity until June 2006, when he was transferred to the position of Administrative Sergeant.  In 2008 Shane was promoted to Lieutenant and in 2011 he was promoted to the position of Police Captain.  Shane is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.  He has served in many different capacities and has been a crucial member of the Mesquite Police Department for the past 19 years. He currently oversees the Investigative Services Division, Communication Support Services, which is the emergency 911 Center, Animal Control, Police Volunteers, Records, and Evidence.  Throughout his tenure Shane has been instrumental in bringing many great programs, technological, and procedural advances to the Mesquite Police Department.  Captain Charles has prided himself in being heavily involved in community policing programs and is very proud of the reputation that the Mesquite Police Department holds within our community. Shane’s presence, leadership, and personality will be greatly missed by the community and members of the Mesquite Police Department.