Ian Warmington received the 2017 Officer of the Year award in Kent in a vote of co-workers for his service to the city.

Police Chief Ken Thomas presented the award to Warmington at the March 20 City Council meeting. Thomas described Warmington as a go-to problem solver for the Neighborhood Response Team that co-workers and citizens can rely on. Warmington also trains new officers in firearms and tactics, and is a key member of crime scene team that assists with investigations.

“His combination of work ethic, care for others and determination to provide quality service are truly an asset to the Kent Police Department,” Thomas said.

The chief also gave out two other awards at the meeting:

• Corrections Officer of the Year

Amber Horejsi received the 2017 Corrections Officer of the Year for her performance above and beyond the call of duty. She started in June 2013 at the city jail along Central Avenue South. She previously worked as a corrections officer in Enumclaw and Clark County.

“Co-workers like her can-do attitude, positive working relationship, she’s firm but fair with inmates and is someone you can always count on,” Thomas said.

• Civilian Employee of the Year

Karen Wesson is the Kent Police Department’s 2017 Civilian Employee of the Year, for her positive attitude and work ethic.

“She’s patient, extremely helpful and always smiling,” Thomas said. “If she doesn’t know an answer, she will find out.”

Wesson works with patrol commanders and helps work out scheduling and payroll issues for officers.

Amber Horejsi receives the Kent Police 2017 Corrections Officer of the Year award from Chief Ken Thomas at the March 20 City Council meeting. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

Karen Wesson receives the Kent Police 2017 Civilian Employee of the Year award from Chief Ken Thomas at the March 20 City Council meeting. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police