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KSJD Local Newscast - January 17 2025

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The Cortez Police Department recognized the bravery and dedication of numerous officers and dispatchers in its first annual awards ceremony Thursday night. Acting Police Chief Andy Brock presided over the event, which took place before an audience of more than 100 people in City Hall and many others watching online. Chief Vernon Knuckles is on a National Guard deployment. Brock explained that a special committee makes recommendations to the chief on who merits awards. Many of the honors were given in recognition of actions taken by dispatchers and law officers on Nov. 29, 2023, when Sgt. Michael Moran of the Cortez Police was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop. Several other awards were given to officers who handled a situation involving an armed and dangerous homicide suspect at the Sleeping Ute Apartments on July 28, 2023. An officer was also honored for life-saving actions she took to help a shooting victim on Sept. 19, 2023. Brock praised the award recipients for their composure, bravery, decisive actions, and teamwork. He said they “found themselves in terrible situations and responded in an extraordinary manner.” Brock thanked the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Cortez Fire Department, Community Intervention Program, and Southwest Memorial Hospital for their assistance. He also voiced gratitude to all the other employees of the Police Department and to the community for its support.

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Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.