By: Kyla Wetmore and Sienna Escobar
Last Thursday, the Collegedale Police Department (CPD) honored officers for their work in the city at its sixth annual awards banquet. The program opened with remarks from Chief Jack Sapp.
“Tonight, we honor officers, those officers whose actions exemplify the very best of this profession, individuals who have gone above and beyond, who have demonstrated bravery, initiative, leadership and compassion,” Sapp said. “Their achievements reflect not only personal action, but the collective strength of our department and the support system that stands beside them.”
Trooper Sammy Previlus played the national anthem on the saxophone. Officer Leland Kelly led a remembrance for law enforcement who could not be present, bringing attendees’ focus to an empty table, symbolizing law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty.
Awards given during the banquet highlighted officers for their service to the community, as well as some of their more outstanding and unusual moments on the job. These awards fell into categories, including longevity awards, awards in partnership with American Police Hall of Fame and awards from administration.
Three of the awards honored officers for incidents that took place in May 2025 and represented the diverse range of duties carried out by law enforcement officers.
On May 14, Detective Edwin Rojas used security camera footage to track down and recover a stolen high-end baby stroller. Rojas interrogated and secured a confession from the suspect, resulting in the return of stolen property valued at $1,600.
Six days later, officers Nathan Smartt and Evan Martin arrested a man at a Chik-fil-A for soliciting sex acts from a 17-year-old.
Also in May, Detective Chase Watson responded to a report of a child rape and coordinated with the Department of Children’s Service to develop evidence and make an arrest.
In recognition of their work, all three officers received awards at the banquet, along with other officers who responded throughout the year to various incidents, including drug use, vandalism, identity fraud and even locating a wanted fugitive.
Lieutenant Robert Hirko and Sergeant Josh Booth received the prestigious J. Edgar Hoover award, which has previously been awarded to only seven officers from the state of Tennessee. This national award recognized the officers’ pursuit of education and professional advancement.
“Thank you for your unwavering professionalism, your courage and your dedication to service,” Sapp told the officers as the ceremony ended. “You represent the very best of this profession every day. You answer the call with integrity and commitment, living out our motto of service before self.”
Administrative Awards
Rookie of the Year – Officer Leland Kelly
DUI Officer of the Year – Officer Evan Martin
Field Training Officer of the Year – Officer Thomas Craine
Supervisor of the Year – Sergeant Cory McNeal
Officer of the Year – Officer Thomas Craine
Chief’s Award – Sergeant Cory McNeal
