The Novato Police Department selected Acting Sergeant Wes Carroll as our Police Officer of the Year and Police Records Specialist Sue Dabanian as our Professional Staff Employee of the Year for 2021.
Sgt. Carroll joined the Novato Police Department in March of 2013.
Prior to starting a career with the Novato Police Department, Wes served in the Army as a Ranger. While in the Army, Wes was deployed to Iraq twice and served as a Scout Sniper during his deployments. In 2012, Wes attended the police academy at Santa Rosa Junior College and graduated as class president. After being hired by the Novato Police Department in 2013, Wes was assigned to the patrol division and has subsequently been selected for several specialized assignments within the department.
Wes currently serves as a sniper on the department’s Precision Long Rifle team. He is a member of the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), a Field Training Officer and a Drug Recognition Expert. Acting Sergeant Carroll previously worked as a Detective at the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force and is an expert in the field of narcotics investigation.
Additionally, Wes has been a recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award and the department’s meritorious service medal. In March of 2020, Wes was promoted to Police Corporal and is currently serving as an Acting Sergeant in our patrol division. In 2021, Wes was selected as Employee of the 4th Quarter and has continually been recognized by his peers as a leader with a positive, “can do” attitude. Wes demonstrates the department’s mission and is proactive about developing relationships with our community. This year, Wes worked with the Novato Fire Protection District to add a substation for our patrol officers at Novato Fire Station 65.
In his role as a Field Training Officer and supervisor, the department said “Wes demonstrates care and concern for the wellbeing of others. He adapts his teaching style for student success and is ever mindful of assisting with the professional development of his fellow employees. In addition to his busy work schedule, Wes spends his free time raising his two children with his wife Rebekah, playing sports and working on construction projects at home. We are proud of Wes and all he has accomplished this year. Congratulations Wes!”
Police Records Specialist Sue Dabanian has worked at the Novato Police Department and the City of Novato in a variety of positions since 2000.
Sue started her career as an Assistant Police Dispatcher and has also worked as a Police Administrative Clerk, Central Administrative Clerk, and Administrative Clerk for the City of Novato Building Department. Sue holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Santa Barbara.
Sue was selected by her peers to assist with contract negotiations this year as union negotiator. Sue is a valued member of our professional staff and is a member of the department’s Peer Support Team.
Sue was recognized by her peers and supervisors for her volunteerism with our community outreach programs and her dedication to the wellness of our employees. This year, Sue has assisted with many of our community outreach programs. Sue arranged for Thanksgiving meals for our on-duty staff and helped decorate the department lobby and the employee break room on Christmas.
Sue has made baby blankets for our staff who have welcomed new babies in the past several years. Sue loves to make things special around the department and started a very popular “Fun Friday” activity for staff.
As a Peer Support member, throughout the year, Sue actively supported our staff and assisted with logistics for Critical Incident Stress De-briefings. In her everyday job, Sue’s positive attitude shines as the friendly face of NPD, welcoming community members in the lobby or on the phone, helping them with their needs. When Sue is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric and her two children. Sue loves to travel, hike, garden and draw portraits of pets and people for her business, Dabanian Arts. We appreciate Sue’s dedication to the department and the community over the past year. Congratulations Sue!
The Department said: “We are grateful for Wes and Sue’s dedicated service to our department and the people of Novato. We are proud to recognize Wes and Sue as our 2021 Employees of the Year.”
Leave a Reply