During this week’s Milton City Council meeting, Police Chief Greg Brand took the time to recognize Detective Stephen Mistovich Jr. as the department’s 2015 Officer of the Year and Katherine K. McDaniels as Civilian Employee of the Year.
In addition to presenting each with a plaque at the meeting, Chief Brand also told the council how each contributed to the local law enforcement agency.
“The awards they are receiving, it isn’t to take away from any other employees from the police department,” Brand said. “I have a number of excellent employees, but every now then you come across an individual or a group that stands out head and shoulders above everybody else for whatever reason at any given time.”
While McDaniels primarily works in the MPD’s records department, she also fills in for dispatch when needed.
Brand praised her detailed work in submitting departmental data and reports to state and federal law enforcement entities.
“The best thing I like about it is that she worries more about those stats being exactly right more than I do,” Brand said. “What a wonderful relief that is.”
McDaniels is also praised for going above and beyond her regular duties at the department, The chief said she also serves as the clerk for hearing officers who handle the city’s red light traffic camera program and working with the Santa RosaCounty’s Clerk of Courts office.
Starting as a reserve officer with the department in 1996, Brand said Mistovich quickly took to being a detective.
“Once he has got his sights on something or somebody with regards to a crime that he is investigating, then he is going to investigate until the point that person is exonerated from any consideration or they are probably going to be arrested,” Brand said.
During his time with the MPD, Brand credited Mistovich with resolving a cold case involving sexual abuse of a minor. Mistovich also coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, which led to arrest of multiple suspects tied to an area ATM robbery.
Brand said Mistovich has the ability to establish a rapport with those involved in a crime.
“Whether or not you are going to be successful, it is going to be extremely dependent upon your ability to get people to talk to you and Steve has that uncanny ability to do that,” Brand said. “I really can’t say enough about the job he is doing and how well he is progressing…and I have no doubt in my mind that he will continue to progress and be one of the best we ever had.”
Mistovich was very appreciate of the recognition.
“I did not do it by myself,” he said. “I got one of the greatest jobs in the world in one of the greatest places.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: MPD Chief recognizes officer, civilian employee of the year