The UNL Police Department honored officers and staff for outstanding accomplishments during patrols in 2013. Owen Yardley, chief of UNLPD, presented the awards on Feb. 3.

Michael Eckel was named Officer of the Year. Eckel, a UNL graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran, earned the honor for his “fair and consistent application of the law; his positive approach to interacting with students, faculty, staff and visitors; and his overall attention to detail in his work.”

Community Service Officer Leighton Larson earned the 2013 Employee of the Year award. A three-year member of the UNLPD, Larson was recognized for his willingness to assist in any department project or challenge. The award also credits Larson for being “well respected and looked up to by peers and the university community.”

A Lifesaving award was presented to Officer Alex Kelly, a four-year veteran of the UNLPD. Kelly performed CPR on a woman who had accompanied her daughter to a UNL summer camp. The resuscitation efforts ultimately led to a successful recovery for the woman. Kelly also received recognition from Lincoln Fire and Rescue for his life-saving effort.

This was the first year UNLPD awarded the Lifesaving award. Yardley also presented the honor to Charlotte Evans and John Backer for lifesaving efforts while on patrol in previous years.

Other awards presented are:

• Casey Ricketts and Megan Dolton received Teamwork awards for their positive teamwork skills in large collaborations.

• Arlan Nelson collected an Innovation award for contributions toward the card access system software programming and assistance with UNLPD’s building access department.

• Kristy Beitler received an Excellence award for her work in UNLPD’s investigations department.

• UNLPD also presented Educational Achievement awards for the first time. The scholastic achievement awards were given to 25 members of the UNLPD for previously earning an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree.