- November 8, 2024
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Community Service Officer Shannon Champion, Sgt. Michael Garner and Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Community Service Officer Shannon Champion is recognized by Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Community Service Officer Shannon Champion and Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach Police Sgt. Michael Garner and Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach Police Sgt. Michael Garner is recognized with his agency's Officer of the Year award by Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Sgt. Michael Garner speaks during the recognition ceremony on Tuesday, July 11. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Sgt. Michael Garner has been with the Ormond Beach Police Department for 11 years. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Community Service Officer Shannon Champion and Sgt. Michael Garner. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Community Service Officer Shannon Champion has worked for the Ormond Beach Police Department for 23 years. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Two longtime employees — both civilian and sworn — were recognized by the Ormond Beach Police Department during a ceremony held at the station on Tuesday, July 11.
The department named Sgt. Michael Garner as its 2022 Officer of the Year and Community Service Officer Shannon Champion as its 2022 Civilian of the Year. A committee of civilian community members who review nominations annually selected the awardees, said Police Chief Jesse Godfrey.
Garner has been working for OBPD for 11 years. He was promoted to his current rank in 2018 and is a member of the OBPD special responses team.
“Sgt. Garner leads by example, and always has an open door for any department member,” Godfrey said. “He is respected by his peers because of his work ethic and patience. He is a true example of strong character, dedication to duty and effective leadership.”
In 2022, OBPD’s administrative sergeant position — held by Garner — was restructured, placing him in charge of the community outreach and training units, Godfrey said.
Garner embraced his new responsibilities and streamlined the field training program, which has been very active as the department recruits new officers, Godfrey said.
In addition to attending every community outreach event, Godfrey said, Garner has also made himself “an integral part” of the recruiting and hiring process by participating on all interview panels and conducting background investigations on new hires.
“He always has a positive attitude and is willing to go that extra mile for those both in and outside of his scope of responsibility,” Godfrey said.
Garner was previously recognized with the Ormond Beach Above and Beyond Award at the city’s 2022 Employee Appreciation Event.
“Everything I do is a tribute to the wonderful team members that we have here,” Garner said.
Garner is there to help his team, he added during his brief remarks at the ceremony.
Champion has worked for OBPD for 23 years. Before that, she worked for the Halifax Humane Society. Godfrey said that's what inspired Champion's proactive approach to lost and abandoned animals in the community.
“Officer Champion has not only been proactive, she has gone above and beyond her work duties and truly sets an example for others with her work ethic and compassion,” Godrey said.
In the last year, Champion has taken control of the city’s Return to Field feral cat program, trained three new community service officers and helped create and update pamphlets on the city’s Animal Services ordinance.
Champion helped secure food, and cook and clean the kitchen for officers and OBPD employees during hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
She also bought dog food several times for residents struggling to feed their pets and recently adopted a dog who was abandoned at a local truck stop. His name is Rusty.
“She is a true team player that should be proud of her accomplishments,” Godfrey said.
Champion was recognized by the Observer as one of our Standing O awardees in 2022 for helping animals in the community. When asked at the time what motivated her, Champion said she simply aimed to do the right thing.
“I think that in life, you should find a meaningful purpose for your life,” Champion told the Observer. “And you should commit to it with your full heart, and it doesn’t mean it’s always going to be perfect. ... Whether it be with animals, whether it be with community, you have to do it and not expect to get anything in return.”
