Officer of the Quarter - 4th Quarter 2009

Four times each year, the Gila County Attorney’s Office recognizes a member of the Gila County Law Enforcement community for his/her superior service in the prosecution of criminal matters.  The County Attorney reviews numerous recommendations, but selects the officer who at the time best illustrates an exemplary attitude and work ethic.  Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores has announced her office has recognized, both, Sergeant Jim Durnan and Detective Chris Williams, from the Globe Police Department, as the Officer of the Quarter.  Mrs. Flores said, “These two officers have been extremely successful as a team unit doing investigations this last year for the Globe Police Department and it would be near impossible to recognize one over the other. They are truly an effective team and should be recognized as such.”

The Officer of the Quarter award was presented to Sergeant Jim Durnan and Detective Chris Williams on January 26, 2010 during the Gila County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in appreciation of their service, professional attitude, and assistance to the County Attorney’s Office.

Sgt. Jim Durnan has been employed by the Globe Police Department since 1998. He served as a patrol officer, field training officer, squad lead officer and a patrol sergeant prior to being assigned to investigations. He has received training in the investigation of homicide, sex crimes, supervision and other police related functions. He is certified as a General instructor, a Physical Fitness instructor and as a Drug Recognition Expert instructor. He has also been trained as a phlebotomist.

Detective Chris Williams started his career with the Globe Police Department in 2004. He served as a patrol officer prior to being assigned to investigations approximately 7 months ago. Detective Williams has been involved in cases including drugs, violent crimes against persons, burglaries, child molestations and other crimes regularly handled by the Globe Police Department. He has received training that includes investigation of sex crimes, organized crime and terrorism, forensic interviewing of children and other crime related investigation techniques and methods. Detective Williams is also a phlebotomist.

Last year, Sgt. Durnan and Det. Williams responded to the scene of what turned out to be a homicide. This incident occurred several days prior to discovery. There were virtually no clues or evidence at the scene to rely on. Sgt. Durnan and Detective Williams were able to determine the identity of the victim and subsequently the identity of the suspects. Due to their tenacious and professional approach to solving this crime, the case was solved quickly and the suspects were apprehended.

In July 2009, a case was solved that involved child molestation. The victim was a 14 year old female and the suspect was a 24 year old male. It was learned that the 14 year old female victim was pregnant, and a relationship between the two had been going on for some time. The suspect, as a result of this investigation, entered a plea bargain to serve 10 years at the AZ Department of Corrections.

These are only two of the many investigations that have been successfully investigated by Sgt. Durnan and Detective Williams with resulting arrests and convictions.  It is with great honor that Gila County Attorney’s Office acknowledges and we commend them for their hard work and dedication to our county.  These officers are an asset to the Globe Police Department and to the community.

Photo Credit: Sharon Listiak