The Southlake Police Department recently held its Annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing employees whose service, leadership, and dedication made a significant impact on the department and community throughout the past year.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to honor individuals whose work exemplifies the Department’s mission of providing world-class police service to the community and reflects the organization’s core values of integrity, accountability, innovation, teamwork, and excellence.
2025 Award Recipients
Civilian of the Year – Sarah Blum
Police Records Manager Sarah Blum was named the Department’s 2025 Civilian of the Year. Throughout the year, Blum demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation while ensuring the Records Division continued to operate efficiently during periods of staffing changes and increased demands. Her efforts to improve processes, maximize resources, and support long-term records management initiatives contributed significantly to the Department’s operational effectiveness.
Officer of the Year – Detective Elliott Sundby
Detective Elliott Sundby received the 2025 Officer of the Year Award for his outstanding investigative work throughout the year. Sundby successfully led complex investigations involving cybercrime, child exploitation, and major theft offenses, demonstrating exceptional perseverance, technical expertise, and commitment to protecting vulnerable victims. His work resulted in successful prosecutions, recovery of stolen property, and strengthened partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.
Supervisor of the Year – Sergeant Ray Sewell
Sergeant Ray Sewell was recognized as the Department’s 2025 Supervisor of the Year. Sewell consistently demonstrated strong leadership, mentorship, and accountability while supporting officers and advancing departmental initiatives. His leadership in training programs, operational planning, and officer development helped strengthen the department and enhance services provided to the community.
Lifesaving Awards
The Department also recognized four employees whose actions during two separate incidents directly contributed to saving lives.
Officer Patrick Hammesfahr and NETCOM Dispatch Supervisor Heather D’Amico received Lifesaving Awards for their response during a complex welfare check involving an individual in crisis. Through persistence, communication, teamwork, and decisive action, they helped locate and provide lifesaving assistance to the individual.
School Resource Officer Kim Smith and Officer Clay Womack were also recognized with Lifesaving Awards for their response to a cardiac medical emergency. Their immediate actions and lifesaving care helped stabilize the patient until Fire Department personnel arrived and assumed medical treatment.
Chief Casey praised all award recipients for demonstrating the Department’s commitment to service and professionalism – “The stories we heard today remind us that our values are more than words on a wall; they are demonstrated by our people every single day in moments like these.”
The Southlake Police Department congratulates all its 2025 award recipients and thanks them for their continued commitment to serving the community with excellence.
