Springfield Police Department announces awards, promotions

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department hosted a promotions and award ceremony for SPD staff at 3 p.m. today.

SPD Staff Promotions:

• Corporal Brian Crum promoted to sergeant
• Officer Thomas Jordan promoted to corporal

SPD’s Leadership Council Award:

Community Service Award:

This award is presented to department personnel who, by virtue of sacrifice and expense of his or her own time, fosters or contributes to a valuable and successful program in the area of community affairs, or who acts to substantially improve police/community relations through contribution of time and effort whether they be involved in an official police capacity or on their own personal time.

Officer Mark Priebe, Community Service Award

Officer Mark Priebe has selflessly given his time for Special Olympics Missouri since 2008. He has worked tirelessly, both on and off duty, to coordinate the department’s efforts in assisting with the fulfillment of Special Olympics’ mission to support those with intellectual disabilities, not just in southwest Missouri, but statewide. 

Priebe began assisting Special Olympics with the Law Enforcement Torch Run and State Summer Games. Priebe eventually became the department coordinator and is currently the LETR Assistant Regional Director for southwest Missouri. In 2015, the Summer Games returned to Springfield due to Priebe’s efforts, and in 2016, the Polar Plunge took place in Springfield for the first time ever.

Priebe expanded his role as coordinator by working with other area law enforcement agencies and the community. He also works on the Games Management Team to coordinate all aspects of the Games. Missouri’s law enforcement was awarded the number six ranking in the world for raising $2.4 million for 16,000 athletes. Priebe coordinates various fundraisers such as the “Drive It Home” truck raffle, t-shirt sales and “Tip a Cop” events in addition to seeking donations and sponsors. Priebe’s volunteer time in 2015 was estimated at over 600 hours. 

In 2016, Priebe was nominated and was a finalist for the Gift of Time award for his efforts with Special Olympics Missouri. Also, due to Priebe’s efforts, the Springfield Police Department was awarded the Outstanding Agency for the southwest Missouri region in 2016.