‘Of The Year’ Recipients Shine at 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony: Volume 1

The 14th Annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony recognized outstanding members across the division, celebrating excellence, leadership and service through its “Of The Year” recipients. This series introduces you to our team members who received these awards.

 Team members may nominate their colleagues for the division’s Of The Year awards, with final selections made by the leadership team.

A Commitment to Service, Strengthened by Family and Guided by Mentorship

Public Safety Officer of the Year Alyssa Tinoco was praised for her exceptional contributions by her supervisor Robby Raju for her dedication, professionalism, and leadership.

“She consistently goes above and beyond her normal duties by responding effectively during emergencies, supporting coworkers, and building positive relationships,” Raju wrote “Her actions reflect courage, reliability, and a strong commitment, while her contributions make a meaningful and lasting impact on everyone around her.”

Tinoco said receiving the award reflects both her personal growth and commitment to service.

“Winning Public Safety Officer of the Year makes me feel appreciated and recognized for the hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others that I strive for,” she said. “It has been a unique year for me, with being promoted and becoming a field trainer, so this award reflects the effort I put into my duties each day, as well as my professionalism, integrity, and willingness to go above and beyond in my role.”

She credits her family as her greatest influence. It was their unwavering support and encouragement, she said, that instilled in her the values of hard work, responsibility and perseverance that define her career. She also recognized the role her mentors and colleagues have had in shaping her work ethic and decision-making by encouraging growth, composure, and empathy.

“Receiving this award also motivates me to continue growing in my career and striving to make a positive impact within my division and community,” she said.

Leading with Purpose: Building People, Strengthening Teams

Supervisor of the Year Robby Raju was recognized for his servant leadership by his supervisor Edwin Thomas.

Public Safety Supervisor Raju “exemplifies servant leadership through his unwavering commitment to supporting both his team and the organization,” Thomas said in his nomination of Raju. “He consistently goes above and beyond when faced with workplace challenges, approaching every situation with professionalism, dedication, and a solutions-oriented mindset. PSS Raju treats his peers and leadership team with respect, fosters a positive work environment, and is always willing to step in and assist whenever needed. His reliability, humility, and commitment to service make him an outstanding leader and a valued member of the team.”

Raju emphasized teamwork as a central component to his leadership approach.

“Winning Supervisor of the Year means a lot to me because it really reflects the people I work with every day and the relationships we’ve built along the way,” he said. “I don’t see it as just an individual award. To me, it represents the teamwork, support, and effort that everyone puts in together.”

The award, he said, reminds him how important it is to invest in people and create an environment where everyone feels encouraged and valued.

“What makes it meaningful is knowing that I’ve been able to help people, help them feel supported, and succeed in their roles,” he said. “Whether it’s helping them work through challenges, or just being someone, they can rely on, that’s the part of leadership that matters most to me.”

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Together, these honorees set the standard for excellence across the division. Stay tuned as we continue this series, recognizing more “Of The Year” recipients next Tuesday.