More than 500 Commission members, spouses, business associates, friends and members of the criminal justice community were in attendance at the Commission’s 56th Annual Awards Dinner on October 29th, 2009 at the Wichita Airport Hilton Hotel. Attendees heard Mr. Bill Ouseley, retired FBI Agent and author of the revealing book, “Open City – True Story of the KC Crime Family, 1900-1950” discuss, in detail, how organized crime had controlled so many activities, in years gone by. He explained how the long arm of the organization had reached out to Wichita in those years, as well. Mr. Ouseley is an exceptional speaker and had little trouble holding the attention of the audience.
The 11th Annual Willard Garvey Crime Prevention Awards went to Mrs. Mary Galvin, widow of Wichita Police Lieutenant Jack Galvin, who was killed in a freak ordnance explosion November 4, 2000. Mrs. Galvin has worked tirelessly, since 2000, to raise money to construct a memorial to all Sedgwick County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Her conviction, dedication and hundreds of hours of volunteering, generated enthusiasm among so many that the memorial is about to become a reality.
Wichita Police Sergeant Bobby Wiley also received an award for his outstanding record of working with young people. He established and has directed the Wolfpack Youth Wrestling club which has served a huge number of at risk kids, for the past 10 years.
Kansas Attorney General Steve Six presented the 20th Annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award to Wichita Police Officer Paul Kimble. A sixteen year veteran police officer, Kimble is credited with developing information which solved several high profile crimes, including bank robbery, during the past year. As a special bonus, to go along with a plaque, Mike Steven of Steven Motor Group and Joe Self of Joe Self Chevrolet provided Kimble with round trip air transportation and three nights at a top notch Las Vegas hotel, with a check of $500.00 for expenses. Bill Warren of Warren Theatres presented the award winner with a packet which permits Kimble and his family to attend a Warren Theatre of their choice twice monthly for twelve months. Each visit included a complimentary stop at the concession stand.
The Commission’s 21st Criminal Justice Professional of the Year award was presented to Wichita Police Captain Randy Landen by the 2008 winner Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett. Captain Landen, a 29 year veteran, was described as, “A law enforcement officer who always demonstrates dedication to purpose. He is the epitome of the renaissance cop.”
The 12 Apostles of Justice award was presented to long time member and Commission Past President Steve Robison by Past President Bill Ard. Steve’s contribution to the success of the Commission’s programs is enormous. He has always been a tremendous asset to the organization as a great spokesman and ambassador.
Planning has begun for the 57th annual event which will be held on either October 21st or October 28th, 2010. A speaker has not yet been confirmed.