Citizens Appreciate Police - CAP

FOUR OF DENVER'S FINEST TAKE HOME CAP AWARDS

Last Wednesday, the nonprofit organization, Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized six Denver Police officers who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion in helping people in our community. Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes Denver Police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 400 officers have received the CAP award.

The CAP Award honorees include:

• Officers Maria Zavala and Nicholas Randolph – Denver Police Airport Division

On September 21, 2020, Officer Zavala encountered a person who lost all his personal items while waiting at Denver International Airport for a flight. Officer Zavala learned that the man had caused a disturbance at a restaurant, was unaware of where his personal items were and had
missed his connecting flight. Officer Zavala worked with him and the gate agent to find another flight for the man, but unfortunately, the airline would not have a flight out of Denver for a few days. Officer Zavala contacted the man’s family, who were out of state, to explain the situation and that their loved one would be home in a few days. However, the man, who suffered from mental illness, continued to cause disturbances. That is when Officer Randolph also stepped up. He identified at a shelter that could provide him a place to stay, and not only transported him there, but also bought him some food. Together the officers kept the family apprised of his whereabouts and assisted them when they came to town to help their loved one.

• Detective Rueban Garduño – Denver Police S*x Crimes Unit

While working off-duty at Red Rocks Amphitheater in the summer of 2021, Detective Garduño was alerted that the vehicle used by some concession volunteers to get to the event would not start. Detective Garduño not only tried to assist with the car troubles, which was unsuccessful, but continued to check on the volunteers while conducting his other assigned duties for the night. It became evident that the vehicle was not going to start, so Detective Garduño offered to drive them home – which was a significant distance away. After receiving permission, he did just that, and in the words of those he helped, “The Denver Police Department is lucky to have him, and we were lucky enough to be blessed by him that evening.”

• Officer Sean Kelly – Denver Police District Three

This story starts back in 2018 when Officer Kelly was volunteering at the Children’s Hospital. There he met and connected with a young patient who was about to undergo major surgery. Officer Kelly made an impact with her that day and continued to keep in contact with the family throughout the years to the point that the girl wanted to invite him to her birthday party in 2021 with the theme of police and firefighters. During his personal time, Officer Kelly reached out to the law enforcement agencies where the now teenager lived and arranged for first responders to participate in a birthday parade. Additionally, he made sure to attend the festivities himself and completed the birthday surprise. Talk about making a difference!