PPS Honors Heroism of April 30 During Annual Awards Ceremony

UNC Charlotte’s Police and Public Safety’s annual awards ceremony, held on May 17 in conjunction with National Police Week, had new meaning this year after the events of April 30.

Following a moment of silence in memory of Reed Parlier and Riley Howell and in honor of the four students injured in the attack, Police Chief Jeff Baker introduced a special guest speaker, C. Philip Byers, a member of the UNC System’s Board of Governors and retired sheriff of Rutherford County, North Carolina.

“We’re so sad it happened,” Byers said referring to April 30. “But there is no finer police force in this state to have been prepared to respond. Now, that may not sound just right, but I mean it from my heart. You all are well trained, and I would go to battle with any of you, because if you’re going to go to battle, you want to go with the best.”

Following Byers’s remarks, awards were distributed. This year, the Medal of Valor, the highest honor awarded to a police officer, was presented to Sgt. Rick Gundacker.

Gundacker, a retired NYPD detective, was the first officer to respond to the shooting in Kennedy, immediately taking the suspect into custody and rendering aid to the victims.

Sgt. Rick Gundacker (center) honored Cadet Eric Dippold (left) for his heroic actions on April 30. Also pictured is Chief Jeff Baker.

In turn, Gundacker presented a certificate of appreciation to student Eric Dippold, an ROTC cadet who had before remained an unsung hero on April 30.

According to Gundacker, Dippold arrived to the classroom in Kennedy shortly after he did with his hands up, asking if he could be of assistance. Dippold began helping the victims, removing his own shirt to use as bandages.

“He risked his own safety by coming to that classroom with only one thing on his mind, and that was to help fellow students and law enforcement in their mission,” said Gundacker. “Cadet Dippold is the epitome of Army values. While others were running away, he came into the room to help. He was such a respectful young man, and our department as well as the entire University are grateful for his actions.”

Dippold said he saw it just as his duty. “We have to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves,” he said.

Other individuals recognized included:

  • Sgt. Santerrio Johnson received the third David A. Coleman Sr. Excellence in Leadership Award, named for the PPS deputy director who died in March 2016. The award honors a supervisor who has made outstanding contributions to the University community and who exemplifies the highest principles of a true leader in policing.

  • Officer Austen Braddock was recognized as Officer of the Year, following Officer of the Month honors twice in 2018-19.

  • Dispatcher Alyssa Hunsaker was named Civilian Employee of the Year.

  • Sarah Maybury was named Dispatcher of the Year.

  • Special commendations were given to Officers Celeste Godwin and Nelson Loretto for medical assistance they rendered at a local firing range.

  • Certificates of appreciation were given to Officer Danielle Albano, security camera coordinator, and Chris Gonyar, director of emergency management.

Employees recognized for advancements in their careers and educations were:

  • Officers Xavier Cullars, Celeste Godwin and Benjamin Padilla were certified as bike patrol officers.

  • Sgt. John Falk and Officers Michael Hahn and David Quackenbush were certified as field training officers.

  • Sgt. Stephanie Klein was certified as a general instructor and CPR instructor.

  • Lt. MarKeith Tate and Sgt. Al Wilson were certified as ALICE instructors.

Chief Jeff Baker and Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers with the artwork given to Baker by his team in recognition of his leadership.

At the conclusion of the awards, Gundacker again took the stage on behalf of all of the University’s officers to honor Chief Baker for his leadership, especially on the evening of April 30.

“Chief said few things that night, but what he did say was clear, pertinent and concise. He never lost his composure. And he was one of the last to leave because he had to make sure all his officers were okay,” said Gundacker.

Baker said he was shocked and honored by the recognition.

“Our critical mission is to protect our faculty, staff and students,” he said. “That is what we do, and that’s what we did on April 30. I am so proud of this department.”

Top photo: Chief Jeff Baker (left to right), Alyssa Hunsaker, Austen Braddock, Santerrio Johnson, Sarah Maybury and Deputy Chief Josh Huffman.

Story: Christy Jackson
Photography: University Communications