The nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police of Denver (CAP), this week recognized a Denver Police officer who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion in helping people in our community. Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes Denver Police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 400 officers have received the CAP award.
The CAP award honoree was Technician Jay Casillas, who in the fall of 2018 heard about preschoolers at Denver’s Smith Elementary School who didn’t have blankets for their naptime. That’s when Technician Casillas generously purchased blankets for 15 students. When it came time to deliver the cozy blankets to the unsuspecting children, Technician Casillas also took time to visit with the preschoolers and kids in other classrooms.
“Denver Police officers frequently encounter situations where compassion, rather than an official police action, is the solution to a problem, and officers so often rise to the occasion to help out.”
Denver Chief of Police Paul Pazen
Technician Casillas’ thoughtfulness does not end there, as he has made special trips to the school to visit and take Denver Police stickers to students to help build positive police-youth relationships, volunteers at school events, and donates money and clothing during the holidays for students and their families in need.
“Denver Police officers frequently encounter situations where compassion, rather than an official police action, is the solution to a problem, and officers so often rise to the occasion to help out,” said Denver Chief of Police Paul Pazen. “I commend the generosity demonstrated by Technician Casillas, and all officers who make a positive difference in our community, and I thank the CAP Board for shining a spotlight on these selfless acts.”
The CAP Board, consisting of 16 citizen volunteers, meets four times a year to review nominations, select recipients, and present awards. Each award winner receives a pin that is worn on the officer’s uniform and a plaque. Nominations for the CAP Award come primarily from letters to the Chief of Police from residents commending an officer for their actions while either on or off duty. To submit a nomination directly, letters may be sent to: Citizens Appreciate Police, 1331 Cherokee St. Room 305B, Denver, CO 80204. Nominations can also be emailed directly to the CAP Board at CAPBoardDenver@gmail.com.
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