The Xenia Police Division recently recognized the achievements of its officers over the past year with its 32nd annual police awards ceremony. A 12-year veteran of the Police Division, Detective Rob Swihart, was among those recognized and was awarded the Division’s highest honor, the Casey Elliott Memorial “City’s Finest” Award.
The award is named in honor of C.K. Elliott, who began his career with the City of Xenia as a Police Patrolman in 1943. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, was later appointed Captain, and then Acting Police Chief. In 1966, Elliott left the Police Division for retirement but returned shortly after to become a bailiff for the Xenia Municipal Court. In all, Elliott served the City of Xenia for 35 years. The Ohio Senate event recognized his contributions to the community by passing a resolution that distinguished Elliott as “a truly outstanding Ohioan.” The Casey Elliott Memorial “City’s Finest” Award was set up by the Elliott family in recognition of police officers who distinguish themselves through an outstanding accomplishment, bravery or humanitarian service in police work.
Over the course of his career, Detective Swihart has served within the Police Division as a Field Training Officer, Intoxilyzer Operator, XPD Training Committee Member, Division Firearms and Stop the Bleed Trainer, Regional Representative and Training Instructor for Ohio Tactical Officer Association, United States Marshal’s SOFAST Team Member, Detective, SWAT Member and Commander.
In addition to the Casey Elliott Award, Detective Swihart was also presented with the Leadership Award and Distinguished Service Award for his guidance and actions on July 24, 2022. It was on this date that he and multiple others responded to Clark County after a suspect ambushed Clark County Deputy Matthew Yates. Detective Swihart responded to the scene directly from his home and fought in the line of fire to rescue their friend and colleague. Deputy Yates unfortunately did not survive his injuries, but thanks to the selfless actions of officers, his family had the chance to give him a proper burial.
“Detective Swihart is someone who is relentless in working to improve tactics and life-saving measures,” said Xenia Police Division Chief Chris Stutes. “For his many accomplishments in the Xenia Police Division and from the hearts of his fellow officers, it is indeed an honor to present the 2022 Casey Elliott “Xenia’s Finest” Award to Detective Rob Swihart.”
Additional Award Recipients include:
Leadership Award: Officer Kelley, Officer Matheson, Detective Reed, and Detective Swihart were honored with leadership awards for their exceptional leadership within the organization.
Distinguished Service Award: Officer D. Smith, Officer Robinson, and Officer Peters were presented with Distinguished Service awards for an act that involved a significant risk to the life of any employee.
Meritorious Service Award: Sergeant Vitale and Officer Zoerb received Meritorious Service awards for an act that involved saving a life.
Communications Operator of the Year Award: Heather Pitstick was recognized and awarded the Communications Operator of the Year for her outstanding performance in the role.
Silver Shield Award: Officer Hollingsworth was presented with the Silver Shield award, which is a special recognition for his commendable service.
Life Saving Award: Officer Jones
Commendations: Numerous commendations were presented to the following individuals for their handling of various incidents: Major Osburn: Sergeants Etchison, Foubert, and Vitale; and Officers Lovely, D. Smith, E. Smith, Swihart, Pointer, Fout, Callan, Falvey, Robinson, Reed, Thornburg, Roelker, Atkins, Kelley, Moore, Sparks, M. Margioras, Cecil, Linnell, Jones, Elliott, D. Margioras, Barker, Pierson, Shelley, and Zoerb.
The Xenia Police Division would also like to extend its thanks to Lighthouse Baptist Church for hosting the awards ceremony.