On Jan. 20, the Police Department recognized its employee and officer of the year for 2016 at their annual employee appreciation dinner sponsored by the Menlo Park Police Foundation. In addition, four officers were presented with the "JL3" award for their productive and consistent work product and service to the community and employees were recognized for their longevity. Records specialist Ashley Walker received the department’s employee of the year recognition and Mary Ferguson was named officer of the year.

Ashley's award highlights her knowledge and helpful customer service with the public and co-workers. She is an all-around great employee who takes initiative and has been instrumental in key projects including the Police Data Initiative and the parking permit renewal program.

Officer Ferguson is the department’s community safety police officer. Mary works with schools and businesses; however, Mary found her niche working with the youth in the community. Her primary goal is to keep children in school and on the right track to make positive life choices. Mary has implemented several programs to accomplish this goal.

The JL3 award is presented annually to officers who consistently perform at a high level in their responsibilities of report writing, arrests, traffic enforcement. JL3 represents Menlo Park police officer John William Lyle, who was killed in the line of duty in 1960. John’s badge number (3) is forever retired, and this is a way to continue recognizing his commitment to law enforcement and the service he provided to Menlo Park. His wife, Norma Lyle was in attendance at the dinner to present the awards to officers Jeff Cooley, Eddie Mazon, Brent Hughes and David Apple.