Police Chief Hands Out Annual Awards

Ventura Police Det. Sean Conroy on Thursday was named the department’s officer of the year.

Conroy, who works in the major crimes division, was recognized for working on every homicide case in Ventura in 1996 and for his work as the case agent on the investigation into the death of Sherri Dally.

The award was given out during a luncheon presided over by Police Chief Richard Thomas. Thomas also recognized the top department volunteer of the year, giving that award to Michael Blanda, who put in more than 350 hours working at the downtown police storefront.

Also honored was the department’s five-member parking enforcement team. Parking enforcement officers Susan Julian, Nancy Norris, Aaron Serr, Leigh Williams and Senior Parking Enforcement Officer Julie Lawrence were recognized for writing more than 16,000 parking citations last year.

The chief also handed out service awards to employees with five, 10 and 15 years on the job, and gave a plaque to Ruby Lind, who retired after working as a crossing guard for 15 years.

Thomas also gave a certificate of excellence to Tom Guerrero, a city employee who helped the department with electronic communication during special operations.