The Centralia Police Department named its Officer of the Year and Outstanding Civilian Employee of the Year at its annual Christmas Party.
The Officer of the Year was presented to Detective Mickey Jader. The Outstanding Civilian of the Year was Connie Ballantini.
Police Chief Chris Locke says each year, department members submit nominations for the honors, making the process challenging as they strive to recognize just one recipient in each category.
Jader serves in multiple capacities within the agency. Locke says beyond his exceptional contribution to Investigations, Jader is a field training officer and in house instructor for Stop the Bleed, Taser 10, Rape Aggression Defense, and AE Active Threat Response. He also manages IDOT traffic safety grants and serves as the Marion County Housing Liaison Officer.
Locke says Jader exemplifies dedication and teamwork and consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and invests significant effort into improving both the department and the community. The chief adds his proactive approach to law enforcement sets a benchmark for making Centralia a safer place. Locke says Jader is an integral part of the team and this award is truly well deserved.
In honoring Ballantini as Outstanding Civilian of the Year, Locke noted she comes to work every day with a smile on her face and with an eagerness to help anyone in any way she can. Locke called her the center of the Centralia Police Department.
The chief noted there are some folks in any organization that are truly the glue that holds the various parts together, that go to person. Connie is the go-to for the Centralia Police Department. Locke says she is extremely dedicated to this community and to the men and women of the department. Locke said everyone knows if you need something or need an answer to something, you can always go to Connie.
Aside from her job performance, Ballantini has a passion t ensure events take place which transcend CPD from just a place to work into one that creates a family. Locke said she is very deserving of the award and he appreciates what she does for all of us day in and day out.
