Who said cops don’t have a sense of humor? The high-spirited Mercer Island Police Department recognized the efforts of their team on Friday, March 11, during their 2010 employee recognition ceremony.

City Manager Rich Conrad opened the festivities thanking the force for their great work, and the department and their families.

“It’s a lot about our citizens, but it’s also about you keeping us safe,” Conrad said.

The awards were voted on by their peers.

Todd Wilson received the Commander’s Award. Wilson was hired as a patrol officer, but wears many hats, including firearms instructor, taser instructor, marine patrol officer and more.

“Todd is like E.F. Hutton,” said commander Dave Jokinen. “When he speaks up, people listen.”

Scott Schroeder, who has been with MIPD since 1999, has been a school resource officer, detective and a solid patrol officer. An expert at reconstructing collisions, he was also awarded a Commander’s Award.

Jokinen awarded sergeant/supervisor of the year to Sgt. Ryan Parr.

“We are in the decision-making business, and he makes excellent decisions,” Jokinen said.

In addition to his excellent work, Parr was able to secure a grant for three electric bicycles for the department.

On board since 1999, Kelly Donnelly was honored with the support personnel award.

Dave Herzog, with the department since 2004, who will soon be a corporal, was honored as the officer of the year. He is with the marine patrol unit and is a field training officer.

Chief Ed Holmes said in 2010 the department took 12,700 calls for service, issued 3,900 citations, filed 1,350 case reports, responded to 170 accidents, made 424 arrests and had 1,250 citizen assists. The MIPD also began marine patrol services for the city of Bellevue.

He complimented his officers for a great job of “catching bad guys,” responding to burglaries in progress and maleficence of all manner.

Sergeant Brian Noel, firearms instructor for the department, handed out awards, including Top Brass Shooter to Jokinen and top shooter to Jim Robarsch.

Beth Cordova was awarded the citizen volunteer award for her work coordinating emergency preparedness for the various senior living facilities on the Island. Cordova has led the effort for three years.

Manny Rucker was recognized for his 37 years of service on the force. Rucker retired in February, after serving under all four chiefs of the Mercer Island police. Jokinen put together an amusing slideshow that included a photo of Rucker when he started with MIPD in the 1970s, then comparing him to a photo of Burt Reynolds, circa 70s, to great laughter.