06/04/2026
đ Conroe Police Department Annual Awards Recognition for the years 2024 & 2025
Last night, the Conroe Police Department was proud to recognize the outstanding men and women whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on our department and community.
These awards honor employees who exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement, public service, leadership, teamwork, and compassion.
The 2024 Award Recipients are as follows:
â Communications Supervisor Recognition
⢠Brandi Welch
⢠Gregory Neal
⢠Meagan McDougle
⢠Jereme Eckles
â Sergeant Recognition
⢠Investigator Brett Irvine
⢠Investigator Stoney Cook
⢠Officer Cody Thorp
⢠Officer Scott Straubel
â Lieutenant Recognition
⢠Communications Supervisor Jason Ayers
⢠Officer Michael Moote
⢠Officer Justin Webber
â Unit Citation
⢠Crime Scene Unit
â Life Saving Award
⢠Officer Paul Caughman - Officer Caughman responded to a stabbing and found a female victim with multiple stab wounds in shock. He quickly applied a tourniquet and kept her calm until EMS arrived. Hospital staff later confirmed that Officer Caughman's quick action saved the life of the female victim.
â Medal of Honor
⢠Officer Kevin Dandy
⢠Officer John Barron
In 2024, Officers Barron and Dandy responded to a sexual assault in progress. Upon arrival, they heard screaming and found an armed man holding a gun on both the victim and himself, with evidence of an ongoing assault. After ordering him to drop his weapon, he turned the gun on the officers, leaving them no choice but to fire, stopping the threat and protecting the victim. Both officers displayed courage and professionalism under extraordinarily dangerous circumstances.
â Civilian Employee of the Year
⢠Brandi Welch - Recognized for her outstanding dedication, professionalism, resilience, and commitment to supporting both the community and fellow employees. Her leadership in developing a peer support program has had a lasting impact on the department.
â Officer of the Year
⢠Investigator Caitlin Adams - Recognized for exceptional performance within the Special Victims Unit. In 2024, she handled approximately 134 cases, made 28 arrests, obtained 24 warrants, and investigated numerous serious crimes involving children and vulnerable victims. Her dedication to justice, victim advocacy, and mentorship exemplifies the highest standards of the Conroe Police Department.
The 2025 Award Recipients are as follows:
â Sergeant Recognition
⢠Investigator Jason Roper
⢠Investigator Charles Roper
⢠Officer Louis Gallegos
⢠Officer Brandon Hughes
⢠Officer Josephine Melchor
â Lieutenant Recognition
⢠Officer Alan Bell
⢠Officer Scott Olson
⢠Officer Paul Caughman
⢠Officer Daniel Oatman
⢠Officer Wesley Nanny
⢠Investigator Cassondra Cunningham
⢠Investigator Samuel Morris
⢠Officer Josephine Melchor
⢠Officer Jeremy Baker
⢠Sergeant Jose Herrera
⢠Officer Michael Moote,
⢠Officer Justin Webber
⢠Officer Scott Straubel
â Chiefâs Recognition
⢠Lieutenant Andres Garcia
â Unit Citation of the Year
⢠Traffic Reconstruction Unit
â Meritorious Service Award
⢠Officer Brian Scott
⢠Officer Kevin Dandy
⢠Investigator Gregory Vradenburg
â Civilian Employee of the Year
⢠Ron Hatch - Recognized for his exceptional dedication as the departmentâs Facilities Maintenance Coordinator. As the sole maintenance employee, he consistently ensures that the department's facilities and the firing range remain safe, operational, and well-maintained.
â Officer of the Year
⢠Investigator Cassondra Cunningham - Recognized for exemplary service as a member of the Crime Scene Unit. She served as the lead investigator on numerous major cases, including a homicide and officer-involved shooting, while also leading crime scene training, mentoring instructors, and advancing forensic technology within the department. Her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence make her a highly deserving Officer of the Year.
â Sergeant Ed Holcomb Leadership Award
⢠Sergeant Jose Herrera â Recognized for his exceptional leadership, unwavering professionalism, and steadfast commitment to integrity. Sergeant Herrera consistently leads by example, fostering excellence through mentorship, accountability, and service. His dedication to the mission, combined with his genuine investment in the success and well-being of those around him, reflects the highest standards of the Conroe Police Department.
These recipients represent the very best of the Conroe Police Department. Whether serving on patrol, in investigations, communications, specialized units, or behind the scenes, their efforts strengthen our mission and help keep the City of Conroe safe.
Please join us in congratulating all our award recipients for their exceptional service, dedication, and commitment to excellence.