 The Denver Police Foundation is a Colorado non-profit created to enhance public safety and law enforcement by providing resources not covered by the department or the city budget. If not for the money raised here today, we would not have the capability to deliver desperately needed programs to the Denver Police Department and citizens of Denver. The thing that is most important to me and the reason that I decided to be a police officer is that I believe in service above self. Our honorees today, they understand it, many of them put their lives in harm's way to protect someone else. I want to start by making the announcement for the officer of the year, Officer Del Creason. He knew this year is the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the highest award the Denver Police Department can honor an officer with. It's awarded to officers who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepid at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Valor is awarded to officers who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism in the presence of danger or great personal risk. Sergeant Ferris was working off duty in a bank when it was robbed by an armed suspect. Sergeant Ferris took control of the situation but waited until the suspect was out of the bank before confronting him and making an arrest. No one was injured thanks to Sergeant Ferris's quick thinking and concern for citizen safety. The Purple Heart is awarded to officers who are seriously or critically injured when performing a police action. Officer Castro and his partner made a routine traffic stop when they were fired on by the suspect. To avoid being shot, Officer Castro had to dive to safety which permanently injured him. Still, he continued to pursue the suspect. The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to officers who perform well above the standards expected by the police department. This year we are honored to have a number of officers who received the Distinguished Service Cross for a number of different incidents. The Denver Police Foundation's above and beyond award is meant to recognize an officer who goes way above and far beyond the duties of the job. This year's recipient, Detective Tammy Hurtado. To our officers, let me say thank you one more time for what you do for each and every citizen of Denver, keeping our families and our city safe.