Orlando Police Department Awards Ceremony

OPD Chief Paul Rooney with Ed and Mary Ganster

What a joy and an honor today to attend Orlando Police Department Awards Ceremony. Over and above attending we were doubly honored that our Founding Chaplain Andrew Wade, Sr. Chaplain of Orlando Police Department was honored with a Patriotic Employer Award as was Chief Rooney himself. Both Chief and Chaplain Wade well deserved this honor!

OPD Chaplain Andrew Wade receiving Award

Patriotic Employer Award

New OPD Chaplain, OS91 partner 

COL Chaplain Mike Vidal

Another joy for OS91 was to be present at the appointment of COL Chaplain Mike Vidal as an OPD Chaplain. Chaplain Mike has been a partner of OS91, giving out Psalm 91 cards and books for nearly a year. We so appreciate working with this COL Chaplain who is opening doors for Operation Safety 91 to reach Responders in other states.

http://operationsafety91.blogspot.com/2012/03/chaplain-mike-vidal-opd-helps-os91.html

L to R: HM2 Willie Naranjo, Funeral Honors Coordinator Assistant,
Ed Ganster and COL CH Mike Vidal, newly appointed OPD Chaplain

Units were awarded for bravery and heroism

The Awards Ceremony was a very special time dedicated to the recognition of outstanding people both within the OPD force as well as outstanding citizens. As Units within OPD were recognized, very detailed accounts of chases, apprehensions and shootings were shared with the audience. 

OPD Retiree Willie Webb

Retirements were also announced. Willie Webb, retiring from OPD after 29 years of service, was awarded, as were the other retirees. Willie referred to 1 Kings 3, admitting he had not divided his time well between family life and the Police force. And while thanking his family for their understanding, he advised the current active Police Officers to ask God for wisdom in this matter. 

The unusual men and women Officers we were privileged to applaud this morning for their outstanding service, are, in my opinion, the true heroes of today...along with our other Responders: Firefighters, EMS, Military. They risk their lives for us on a daily basis. OS91 wants to educate the public to understand this fact as well as to appreciate and honor all Responders who rescue, protect and defend us. We salute all those awarded today at Orlando Police Department! Thank you for your service!