BY ELENI HIMARAS
news@ltview.com
The Bee Cave Police Department took a long overdue opportunity last week to recognize the members of its force that have served the community over the past three years.

“We hope to do it every year from this point out,” Chief Rusty Pancoast told the crowd of officers, their families, elected officials and members of the community.
A frequent recipient of the night, Lt. Vicente Montez received the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award for service the department can bestow.
“Lt. Montez has been a vital part in the development and growth of the Bee Cave Police Department,” Pancoast said. “He has welcomed nearly every new business that has come to Bee Cave to maintain positive business/police department relationships. He has also interviewed every applicant for the police department.”
After the awards ceremony, Pancoast said that Lt. Montez planned to give the medal to his mother, who worked three jobs while he was younger to give her children a better life and keep them out of trouble.
Dusty Lee was named the 2008 Officer of the Year for his “outstanding work ethic” and initiative in taking on new projects such as the speed trailer and the Watch Your Car program.
Pancoast also announced the 2007 Officer of the Year, Carlos Castillo, since there was no awards ceremony last year.
“You will never hear Officer Castillo speak negatively of his fellow officers and you will never hear his fellow officers speak negatively of him,” he said.
Several awards were also given to officers in recognition of specific events over the past three years the department has been in existence.
Lt. Montez and Officer David Morrow were recognized with a written commendation for their apprehension of an armed and potentially suicidal suspect on Oct. 4, 2008. Pancoast also gave Chris Koutsogiannis a written commendation for catching a burglar in the act at Lamb’s Tire Store on Oct. 14 of the same year.
The Heroism Award was given to Officer Bruce Radford for saving the life of a car accident victim on Texas 71 on June 23, 2006.
“He pried the door open with a piece of pipe and dragged the victim to safety,” Pancoast said of the fiery wreck.
Four officers earned Police Achievement Awards for their efforts in arresting a suspect who allegedly held hostages at Starbucks on Sept. 7, 2008. They were Chris Koutsogiannis, David Morrow, Shane Sexton and Ken Sidenblad.
Pancoast recognized not only officers with a variety of awards, but also members of the community and civilian employees of the police department.
“These community partner awards are given to Bee Cave businesses and individuals who have extended their support to make the Bee Cave Police Department more effective,” he said.
Pancoast took a creative license and handed out some special awards to various officers including a snoring, plush pig and a miniature fire hydrant.
He also used the awards ceremony to announce Officer Michael Hudson’s promotion to Sergeant. With the suspense-building skills of “American Idol,” Pancoast left the revelation until the very end, and even then tried to close the ceremony without making the announcement.
Four officers took a four-part exam for consideration for the post. The top three, Pancoast said, finished within two points of each other.
“Congratulations to everyone, we are proud of you guys,” he said said.
Other Awards Handed out that night include:
• Community Partner Awards: A+ Federal Credit Union, Chik-fil-A, HEB, Starbuck’s, Target, Wells Fargo.
• Intermediate Peace Officer Proficiency: Carlos Castillo, Chris Koutsogiannis, Dusty Lee, Bruce Radford.
• Advanced Peace Officer Proficiency: Brad Kuecker, Vince Montez, Bill Pitmon, Shane Sexton, Ken Sidenblad.
• Field Training Officer Proficiency: Carlos Castillo, Sgt. Brad Kuecker, Dusty Lee, John Meiners, Vince Montez, Bill Pitmon, Det. Ken Sidenblad.
• Most Improved Officer: Michael Hudson.
• Most Productive Officer: Tim Taylor.
• Civilian Employee of the Year: Fonda Bright.