The Bainbridge Island Police Department recently recognized and honored its 2014 Officer and Civilian of the Year.

Officer of the Year went to Ben Sias, and the Civilian of the Year award went to Senior Police Clerk Barbara Seitz.

Sias and Seitz were among those honored during the Bainbridge Island Police Department Awards Gala on Friday, March 27.

Sias was honored for his patrol duties and marine service as well as for his participation in community events. Seitz was named Civilian of the Year for her ability to foster teamwork, her incredible work ethic and for receiving the highest number of compliments and thank-you notes from citizens in 2014.

Additionally, for the first time this year, the Bainbridge Island Police Department awarded the Kathy Dunn Memorial Service Award.

This award is for service to the law enforcement community through improved processes, ideas, actions, teamwork, or volunteerism. The award was created this year following the death of retired Bainbridge Island teacher Kathy Dunn in 2014. Dunn died trying to protect her grandchildren during a car accident involving the trio late last year as they walked near Dunn’s home, and the award this year was given to her grandchildren Annika and Henry Dunn.

According to Chief Matthew Hamner, “Kathy Dunn exemplified what it means to be a valiant citizen of this island. The BIPD, in remembrance of her service to the police department and this community, has created the Kathy Dunn Memorial Service Award in honor of her contributions. Every year, through a nomination process, we will choose a citizen that best represents Kathy Dunn’s legacy of service.”

Hamner also gave a special thanks to Barb Burns, the catalyst in the creation of the award.