On December 8, 2001 at the WPPEA Christmas Party, the Officer and Employee of the year were announced. The association voted Cpl. Steve Guthrie as officer of the year. Cpl. Guthrie has been with the Woodland Police Department since 1997. After a two-year assignment as a patrol officer, he assumed the duties as Lead D.A.R.E. Officer. Cpl. Guthrie expanded the D.A.R.E. program outside of the classroom getting the D.A.R.E. students involved in a canned food drive to benefit the local food bank. He also instituted field trips involving fishing, train rides, and boat rides with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department Boat Patrol. These activities allowed the students to interact with local peace officers. In April 2001, Guthrie was assigned to the position of corporal and was given the responsibility to supervise the newly formed Gang Violence Suppression Team. As team supervisor he helped with the investigation of the March gang-related homicide, in which 14 people are now facing trial. Guthrie is also the lead firearms instructor for the police department and is responsible for oversight of the departments firearm’s training.

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Kelly York has been a Community Services Officer with the Woodland Police Department since May 1995. She worked in the records division until 2000, when she was transferred to the Parking Enforcement Division as a Parking Enforcement Officer. York was given the direction to take a very proactive approach to enforcement. This resulted in her issuing approximately 400 citations per month. Even with this level of enforcement and given the negative nature of these contacts, York has been continually complimented by citizens on her positive attitude and respectful demeanor. Her enforcement efforts, over the past year, have greatly contributed to the ability of the parking program to not only cover its operational costs, but fund debit and contribute $27,000 of revenue for the city’s general fund. In addition to her parking duties, York has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the police department’s evidence team. Without question or reservation, she has responded to calls at all hours of the day and night to assist in the processing of various major crime scenes. York is involved in the local community, enthusiastically participating in the “Every 15 Minutes” program at Woodland High School. She also participates with her father in motorcycle club events, which benefit the country’s veterans.

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