Police Officer of the Month

October 2003

PFC Josh Burgoon has been selected as Police Officer of the month for October 2003. He has demonstrated his dedication to the community by consistently displaying the highest degree of professionalism. Below are some of his more noteworthy accomplishments.

CDS Violation: On October 6th, PFC Burgoon was participating as a Field Training Officer. While both the driver and passenger in the vehicle were concentrating on the Recruit Officer, PFC Burgoon observed the passenger reaching into his waistband and removing a pistol. PFC Burgoon warned the Recruit Officer of the passenger’s actions at which time both the driver and passenger were brought under control. Due to his observation skills prevented what could have turned into a deadly force situation. The weapon that the passenger possessed was a non-functional replica of a Colt 1911 semi-automatic 45-caliber handgun. Although the passenger was not arrested as his actions violated no laws, PFC Burgoon used his officer safety skills and conducted pat downs of both occupants resulting in the recovery of a heroin “works kit” from the driver who was subsequently arrested.

Unattended Death: On October 21st, PFC Burgoon responded to assist another officer for a Check on the Welfare call. Significant effort went into trying to establish contact with the resident including obtaining a ladder to climb up to the third floor balcony. Once it was observed that an individual was motionless on the apartment floor, the residence door was forced open and the resident was determined to be deceased. Realizing that the circumstances were indicative of a possible homicide, PFC Burgoon made the appropriate call and secured the residence for CIB and Crime Lab. PFC Burgoon further assisted CIB and Crime Lab upon their arrival with key information he had developed from brief yet important observations while initially in the apartment. This information was needed to obtain a search and seizure warrant for the apartment.

CDS Violation: On October 24th, PFC Burgoon conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was only displaying one registration plate. Utilizing his keen observation skills and knowledge of CDS, he observed possible CDS in the vehicle. A subsequent search located CDS and an arrest was made.

PFC Burgoon is well know in his beat area, making a habit of contacting merchants for a two way sharing of information which is evidenced by his numerous business checks. PFC Burgoon embraces and practices the principles of Community Policing. He works with various community groups to resolve problems or identify potential root causes of problems and possible solutions.

PFC Burgoon is described as a hard working, professional officer.