The best of the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) was honored on March 20, during the Federal Way City Council’s regular board meeting.

Police Chief Brian Wilson gave a nod to those who have given the most to FWPD and the community, whether they’re a volunteer, officer, detective or staff member.

First up was Officer Ron Potts, who is FWPD’s Traffic Officer of the Year for 2011. Wilson said Potts joined the force in 1997, and brought 10 years of police experience when he came to Federal Way 15 years ago.

“He’s had assignments in patrol, traffic. He’s had collateral assignments, he’s the officer in charge of the major accident investigation team. He’s also trained quite a few of our traffic officers. He’s an experienced traffic investigator, and his leadership in terms of investigating some very complex cases is phenomenal,” Wilson said.

Lottie Kinney, a volunteer with FWPD since 2004, was honored because of the amazing amount of time she’s dedicated to the volunteer program, police department and the community.

“In 2011, she donated 1,337 hours to the police department. Our total volunteer staff (donated a) total of 8,112 hours. So, 1,300 of that is Lottie,” Wilson said. “She’s worked in vehicle maintenance, animal services, our Safe City camera program. She was responsible for some significant observations of the film that led to arrests. She’s always upbeat, always willing to assist. She’s tremendous.”

The 2011 Civilian Employee of the Year is Judy Whetung, a records specialist who’s been with the department since 1998. According to Wilson, Whetung handled the paperwork for almost 2,000 cases in 2011 alone.

“She is a tremendous employee and we’re fortunate to have her,” Wilson noted.

Detective Annette Scholl was honored as FWPD’s top detective for 2011. Scholl joined the force in May 2000 as an entry level officer and has worked her way up the ladder ever since.

“She is a top performer in our criminal investigation section. She handled 160 cases in 2011. The cases she’s assigned are the most complex, the most detail-oriented and some of the significant work she’s done has brought people to justice that otherwise wouldn’t have been if it weren’t for her dedication, specialization and her attention to detail,” Wilson said.

Officer Rich Adams was recognized as the 2011 Patrol Officer of the Year, while Lieutenant Casey Jones was awarded the 2011 Supervisor of the Year honor. For Adams, the award was bestowed upon him because of his tireless work at The Commons Mall, Wilson said. For Jones, a member of FWPD since 1996, the award comes as recognition of his long service to the department and his work in Federal Way for over a decade and a half.

“He is a tremendous individual, and we’re very pleased with his leadership and commitment to this organization,” Wilson said of Jones.