2009 Top Cop Award to be Announced

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - The Hampton Roads Regional Crime Line is usually looking for bad guys, but on Saturday, October 10, the Crime Line is looking at their own law enforcement officers for those who have demonstrated a commitment to a safer Hampton Roads in the past year.

The 2009 Top Cop Awards will be given out Saturday night to those law enforcement officers that have gone above and beyond to help the citizens they serve, and the law enforcement officers who do exceptional work every day.

To qualify the nominee must:
- Reside in Hampton Roads
- Exhibit a high level of personal achievement
- Demonstrate exemplary leadership skills
- Have had a positive impact on the Hampton Roads Community

The proceeds from Saturday night's dinner and silent auction will go toward paying the toll-free 1-888-LOCK-U-UP number used by citizens to call in anonymous crime tips that lead to the arrest of criminals. The remaining proceeds will be shared among Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Peninsula, and Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Crime Line/Crime Solvers programs to pay the rewards that help solve crimes.

While many state dignitaries will be present, the real heroes of the evening are the law enforcement officers and private citizens and organizations receiving recognition for their contributions to making neighborhoods and businesses a safer place to live and work.

And the Nominees are:

Chesapeake

Detective Brian K. Woolever has worked for the past several years with the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. He meticulously investigated the leadership in a Bloods street gang in Chesapeake. Through his work the suspect was identified as a gang leader who had approximately 1,000 gang members throughout Hampton Roads. He worked with the US Attorney’s Office to gather sufficient evidence to qualify the case under the Violent Crimes and RICOI statutes. Four top members of this gang were indicted. Detective Woolever personally prepared the federal criminal complaint that lead to over 100 charges including narcotics and attempted murder charges. Detective Woolever’s efforts involved 1000’s of man hours resulting in all four suspects either pleading guilty or being convicted in court. Detective Woolever was also named Chesapeake Officer of the Year for 2008.

Hampton

Officer Brian L. Boyd and K-9 Partner Falco II have made numerous contributions since partnering in May, 2008. Over a period five months, Officer Boyd and Falco II conducted seven successful tracks. In concert with the Special Investigations Unit, they assisted in the recovery of 181 grams of narcotics as well as 28 pounds of marijuana having an estimated street value of $127,000. He can be regularly found at traffic stops with fellow officers checking for the presence of drugs. He was recognized as Officer of the Month in 2007 because of his outstanding work in the Special Investigations Unit.

Isle of Wight County

Captain Paul Phelps demonstrated his leadership in directing law enforcement activity investigating multiple crime scenes, multiple victims, and multiple automobiles. The first crime scene was a crowded fast food restaurant in a busy shopping center and the second was about ½ mile away in a residential area. Initially it was determined that five people were involved, but it was unknown how many were suspects, victims or both. Captain Phelps directed his team to search the area and find the gun that was thrown away. Faced with conflicting stories from those involved, he pulled cell phone records and discovered prior communications. Continued interrogations revealed this shooting was a drug deal gone bad that turned into a robbery and a homicide. As a result of his thorough investigation and successful convictions, several violent drug dealers from two different jurisdictions were taken off the street.

James City County

Master Police Officer Keith Campbell has been a valuable asset to the James City County Police Department since 2001. He is assigned to the Department’s Traffic Unit and has managed the DMV 402 Highway Safety Grant area since December 2007. Officer Campbell supervises 12 officers from patrol shifts and specialized units combating impaired driving, occupant protection, and speed enforcement. He has been involved with instructing the blocks of “Traffic Unit/Radar/Traffic Stops and DUI” as well as building searches which has become a favorite to the Citizens Police Academy. He also participates in the “Every 30 Minutes” program with School Resource Officers. He serves as an instructor with the Commonwealth Services Board training officers and prosecutors in advanced DUI prosecutions. He also lends his experience and knowledge to training programs such as the MCT program, Defensive Tactics in-service and firearms instruction. MPO Campbell’s contributions have a significant impact on the effectiveness and professionalism of the officers of the James City County Police Department.

Newport News

Detective Erik J. Kempf joined the Newport News Police Department in 1995 and has worked with the Safe Streets Task Force since February of 2004. After many months, Detective Kempf completed several complex multi-agency investigations which led to the arrest of individuals whose charges ranged from murder, robbery, and drug conspiracy. When robbery and conspiracy charges were dropped in 2005 against a violent gang member because witnesses refused to testify, he along with an investigative team revived the case in 2008, secured cooperating witnesses, and intensely focused their efforts on the target of the investigation. The gang member was sentenced to 30-years in federal prison. Detective Kempf was also a member of an investigative team that was instrumental in convicting four suspects involved in a 2006 drug murder. The investigation started as a homicide investigation, but as it unfolded, Detective Kempf and the team developed a historical drug conspiracy and robbery case against the four suspects. In the end, all four suspects were convicted for their involvement in the murder, robbery and drug conspiracy. Master Police Detective Kempf has an unparalleled commitment to the department and to the citizens of Newport News.

Norfolk Airport Authority

Investigator Robert L. Hodges joined the Norfolk Airport Authority Police Department in 2003. His overall dedication, professionalism and desire for excellence set him apart from other officers. He is the department’s criminal and internal affairs investigator as well as the accreditation and policy writer for which he researches, drafting, and presenting all department policies and procedures assuring compliance with accreditation standards. He served as the department’s liaison between other departments and agencies coordinating and directing efforts during many presidential candidate visits as well as the commissioning of the USS George W. Bush. Through his work with other law enforcement agencies, he participated in the interdiction and seizure of 10 kilos of cocaine at their cargo facility intended for the streets of Hampton Roads. He has cleared many larceny cases resulting in the recovery of stolen property including laptops, jewelry, and electronic equipment. Investigation Hodges continually demonstrates exemplary leadership, high level integrity and outstanding commitment to making the Norfolk Airport and Hampton Roads a safer place to live and visit.

Norfolk

Officer Victor Decker demonstrated a heroic act of valor when he confronted two armed suspects who had just committed a robbery and shooting a victim who later died. Shortly after the two suspects confronted, demanded money, and shot the victim sitting in his car in downtown Norfolk, they fled on foot. Officer Decker, alone on his bicycle on Plume Street heard several shots. He notified the dispatcher and rode towards the area. He encountered the two suspects running towards him with one having a gun in one hand. Officer Decker confronted the suspects and ordered them to drop their weapons. One suspect refused and fired several times him. Officer Decker returned fire hitting the suspect with the gun and stopped the threat. He ordered the second suspect to the ground and first handcuffed the shooter. He then handcuffed the second suspect and discovered he was armed with a knife. Backup then arrived and helped secure the scene and help the original victim. Officer Decker stood alone in the face of danger, under fire, and stopped two fleeing, armed predators that had just committed a robbery and murder.

Poquoson

Detective Lisa Turner is a true professional investigator, and being from a small department, she handles a wide variety of law enforcement tasks effectively and efficiently. In the past year, she charged juveniles with felonies involving stolen property, an adult female with three counts of contribution to the delinquency of a minor through texting plus providing them with alcohol, an adult male with grand larceny from his employer, two teen (adult) males with wearing a mask in public and brandishing a firearm in public. Detective Turner investigated complaints of fraudulent prescriptions and discovered the suspect was also committing the same offense in other jurisdictions. She investigated a series of burglaries and grand larcenies, contacted pawn shops and conducted surveillance of junk yards where she located stolen property that had been sold for scrap. Her investigative work resulted in felony arrests of four city residents and also to a direct connection to a group of individuals who were distributing heroin. She has been trained as a First Responder on infant deaths, complex criminal investigations, crime scene search, overview, photography, advanced digital imaging, child abuse and elder abuse. She also volunteers each year for the After Prom event and conducts Fatal Vision training for students. Her performance has earned her the trust of the citizens she serves.

Portsmouth

Officer Scott Blystone and Officer Frank Natal are co-winners because of their combined response in the face of mortal danger. A mental health worker was threatened with a sharp object as she responded to a family request to help their family member. She requested assistance from the Portsmouth Police Department. When they arrived, the man lunged at them with the sharp object. The SWAT team was called in when the man retreated into his house. They determined the individual to be mentally unstable, had no telephone, and possibly had a shotgun. The SWAT team devised a plan to deploy a throw phone into his house to establish communications and retreat to a safe distance to communicate. While backing away, the individual opened fire on them. He shot Officer Blystone who was carrying the ballistic shield that was protecting the team. Although seriously injured, Officer Blystone maintained his position knowing he was the only protection between the shooter and the team still under fire. Hearing Officer Blystone has been shot, Officer Frank Natal, without regard to his own safety, reached out to Officer Blystone and pulled him further back behind the shield and assisted him as other officers pulled him to safety. In doing so, Officer Natal was also shot suffering a potentially fatal wound by the bullet striking an artery. Officer Natal did not flinch from his determination to ensure Officer Blystone’s safety and the rest of the team still under fire. Both officers recovered from their wounds after several operations and months of physical therapy until returning to work. Their selfless actions, courage under fire, devotion to duty and the safety of their team, and their relentless spirit are immeasurable.

Smithfield

Lieutenant James R. Clarke, Jr. is the commander in charge of the Patrol Division. Due to the small size of the Department, he often fills in when staffing shortages occur often requiring many extra hours even though he is exempt for overtime. Recently during the absence of the Lieutenant in charge of investigations, Lt. Clarke assumed those extra responsibilities and worked the weekend to ensure the perpetrator was charged in the homicide of a four-month old baby. One week later, while off duty, he became aware of a bank robbery that had occurred a short distance away. He responded immediately as assisted with the investigation. As part of his commitment, he is involved in a number of community outreach programs such as volunteering to chaperone 21 children for a day of fishing sponsored by the Kiwanis. He is also involved in the purchase of school supplies for disadvantaged children and participating in athletic events with kids at need. Lt. Clarke is the consummate professional.

Suffolk

Investigator Kevin T. Dodson was assigned to investigate a suspect dealing narcotics which consumed several months. His investigation was complicated when Suffolk was hit with a tornado and he was necessary to work expanded shifts providing relief efforts and security services. Al the while, he maintained ongoing communication with an informant When the tornado assignment was completed, he resumed his investigation and brought it to a successful conclusion with the execution of three search warrants at three separate locations. These warrants resulted in seizure of 5 oz. of marijuana, crack cocaine packaged for distribution, money, 2 firearms and $33,000 worth of counterfeit clothing. Multiple charges were placed on several suspects. The clothing store was also forced to close down and the owner pleaded guilty on all charges. He has continued to lead his team producing many search warrants, arrests, and seizure of narcotics. Investigator Dodson demonstrates daily his commitment to serving the citizens of Suffolk.

Virginia Beach

Officer Ashley M. Dewart is being recognized for her outstanding police work and assistance rendered to the residents of a Green Run neighborhood. It started when she was assigned to handle a trespassing incident at a vacant property in that area. She noted that the property was in a state of disrepair and apparently being used as a drug haven. She identified the out-of-state owner and contacted him convincing him to board up the property eliminating the problem. She then became actively involved in the homeowner’s association on and off duty. Working with the citizens to identify the problems they were experiencing, she eventually developed a strategy that allowed her, her fellow officers, and the citizens to work together to eradicate the problems. Her efforts to enhance the citizens’ willingness to get involved by reporting criminal or suspicious activity was evidenced by an initial increase in calls for service to that area. Officer Dewart organized and managed a group of officers to work part time in the area that increased patrol level coverage. She was in charge of the part time employment including scheduling shifts, managing payroll, creating appropriate logs and forms to measure police involvement during security patrols, and providing officers with mandated tax information. Officer Dewart has worked with home owners into neighborhood to evict problem tenants resulting in another drop in problems. She has made several high profile arrests. After investigating a complaint, Officer Dewart determined the woman had fallen on hard times and could not pay her bills. She organized a fund raiser raising funds to purchase an air conditioning unit, fixed several other defects in the house, and gave the woman money to pay some bills. She received a Letter of Recognition from Chief Jacocks. In another case involving the manufacture of bombs by a 14-year old, she stayed with the perpetrator after he became violent, calming him, and staying with him until being admitted to the local psychiatric facility. Officer Dewart is an exceptional officer, and her proactive efforts have inspired other officers to take the first steps towards increased community involvement. The level of hard work, commitment and compassion displayed by Officer Dewart has truly made a difference in the lives of the citizens she is sworn to protect.  

Williamsburg

Lieutenant Greg Riley has served the Williamsburg Police Department for 19-years. On one morning, Lt. Riley observed a suspicious vehicle parked on a maintenance road by a pump station. He believed the vehicle to match the description of a vehicle involved in several larcenies in neighboring jurisdictions. Knowing a gun had been stolen on one of the larcenies, he ordered the three occupants out of the vehicle. He asked the three to show their hands. One of the occupants was unable to show his hand because they were constrained behind him with a jump rope and appeared to have been in an altercation. A forty-five caliber hand gun was discovered in the backseat. He later determined that the two suspects had abducted the third person, and brought him to Williamsburg against his will. Officer Riley’s swift observation and action may have prevented further injury or even death.

York County

Investigator Jason L. Stump is a tremendous asset to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office. When faced with a transfer and resignation of two forensic investigators, he immediately agreed to attend the Forensic Academy and for 3-months underwent grueling hours of training in addition to being away from home. He not only learned basic investigation techniques but a highly specialized field of law enforcement. He applied his shills and knowledge in investigating the murder of a homeless man, an attempted murder, and the Vampire case that is now used as an example at the national level by renowned instructor Don Rimer. In this case, the victim had been stabbed multiple times, stomped, and covered with a combustible liquid. The perpetrators were convinced the victim was a vampire and had to be eliminated. Through meticulous investigatory work, Investigator Stump and his partner were able to comprehend the thought process of these suspects. The end result was a full confession from all parties.

Top Individual

James Capps is a life-long resident of Princess Anne County/Virginia Beach. In addition to being a successful owner of a local hotel business, he has been an active contributor to the Virginia Beach community. He has been a member of the Virginia Beach Crime Solvers for 20 years and served in leadership roles for eight of those years as well as being Chairman of the critical Fundraising Committee for four years. He has been actively involved in may organizations including: Virginia Beach Host Lions Club since 1970; teacher and coach at Virginia Beach Junior High School for 14 years; Co-Chair of James M. Cook Scholarship Fund for 15 years; City of Virginia Beach Labor Day Review Commission; owned the Essex House Motel (1969-1983); developed and operator of the Breakers Resort Inn (1983 to present); 1994 Virginia Hospitality and Travel Industry Hotelier of the Year; Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association Board of Directors for nine years; Virginia Beach Convention Center 2000 Steering Committee; Co-Chair Public Awareness Committee; Virginia Beach Vision Executive Committee; and many other Virginia Beach related leadership roles. Mr. Capps has actively served Virginia Beach and neighboring communities in a wide variety of roles and has been recognized for his dedication to the city’s economic enhancement.

Top Organization

Weed and Seed Project of Newport News’ Southeast Community has the mission to Weed out the violence and drugs in their community and plant the Seed of assistance and empowerment to those living in the community. Sacil Armstrong is the coordinator and the tip of the shovel for this social gardening project. She has spearheaded several projects including: having local law enforcement work with residents to prevent crime; working to increase employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors to improve the financial and physical health of the community; organizing volunteers and organizations to help residents clean-up their neighborhoods. She developed an innovative approach to stopping the cycle of violence and drugs in the community. She provided children and teens that live there an outlet that gave them an opportunity to figure out how to help themselves. Many of these children and teens, destined to be weeds in the community, have been motivated to do more with their lives and have participated in the Weed and Seed Project. Many now believe this project has saved their lives. The Weed and Seed Project not only helps those who currently live in the community, but is actually creating an overall improved community for future generations.

Lifetime Achievement

Chief Charles R. Wall became Chief of Police in Virginia Beach in 1981. He died in May of 2009. During his 18-year tenure as Chief, he expanded the Virginia Beach Police Department’s size and scope to meet the emerging needs of a rapidly growing community. He established the Crime Solvers program and instituted specialized units including the horse patrol and bomb squad. In 1987, the department became the first in South Hampton Roads to earn an international law enforcement accreditation and one of only 25 nationally. His department was the first in the nation to install computers in police cars. He established citizen advisory panels and a peer-counseling system for officers. His efforts led Virginia Beach to be one of the first departments nationally to be awarded grant funds through the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office. He has received several awards including: Dictograph Public Safety Leadership Award in 1986; Meritorious Service Award from the United Negro College Fund in 1991; Livability Award from U. S. Conference of Mayors in 1992; and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions Club International Foundation for Humanitarian Services. He has authored and co-authored 11 papers and articles. Chief Charles R. Wall has been a visionary and an outstanding leader for the Virginia Beach community and his efforts have made the regional a safer and better place to live, work, and play.