Johnny Sides

The Johnny Sides Rookie of the Year Award Gala will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 129 Leslie.It will from 6:30 to 9PM. It is located at 129 Leslie, Dallas, Texas 75207. The Gala is the DJCC’s most prestigious event which honors the Dallas Police Department’s Rookie of the Year.

Tickets are no longer available online. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

This year will mark the 60th year the DJCC has sponsored the award ceremony. The event was named after Officer Johnny Sides who was a Dallas Police Officer and DJCC Member. Just twenty-one days after graduating fifth in his class at the Dallas Policy Academy, Officer Johnny Sides was fatally wounded when he and his partner confronted a band of criminals wanted for vicious crimes in four other states. Even as he fought for his life from his hospital bed, Officer Sides positively identified all four men involved in the shooting. Although a Policeman for too brief a time, Johnny Sides has inspired countless police officers and citizens with his dedication, leadership, caring, and sacrifice. It is in his memory that the DJCC has recognized the Rookie of the Year since 1952.

Hosts

The 2012 Johnny Sides Rookie of the Year Award Gala will be hosted by the DJCC and the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which supports the philanthropic efforts of the DJCC. 2012 event proceeds will benefit the Assist the Officer Foundation and the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Beneficiary

This year’s event beneficiary, The Assist the Officer Foundation (ATO), is a non-profit organization which provides financial assistance to officers who are facing the loss of income due to a serious injury, life-threatening illness, or other catastrophic event. Immediate assistance is also available to an officer’s family in the event of the death of an active officer. Since its creation in 1999, the ATO has provided assistance to many officers and their families who were faced with life-altering situations. For more information about the ATO, visit http://atodallas.org.

2012 NOMINEES

Officer Alexander J. Blois, North Central Patrol

Officer Blois began his career with the Dallas Police Department in January 2010. After graduation and field training, he was assigned to the North Central First Watch.  Lieutenant Alan Bull of the North Central Patrol Division stated, “Blois has impressed me and stood out from others of similar tenure through his good, steady work ethic.” On the job, Officer Blois demonstrates dependability and willingness to do an outstanding job, while learning all he can. His supervisors say he stands out amongst fellow young officers. In his short tenure, Officer Blois has had seven commendations from five different supervisors. Due to his work ethic, responsibility and maturity, his supervisors selected him as their representative to the Police Officer Advisory Committee for the North Central Division.

Officer Theodore Gross, Southwest Patrol

Officer Gross is a second generation police officer, who joined the Dallas Police Department in January 2011. He grew up wanting to be a police officer and is determined to be the best possible police officer by exemplifying the department’s mission.  His Sergeant James Greene says, “He is an officer that I can always depend upon to carry out any assignment. He is one dimensional in his devotion to the Dallas Police Department, but multi-dimensional in the manner in which he carries out his duties.”  He has a sense of accountability for his beat. When he becomes aware of an increase in offenses in his sector, it is normal for Officer Gross to come to his supervisor with a plan to improve it.

Officer Matthew Rizoli, Central Patrol

Officer Rizoli joined the Dallas Police Department in July 2009. He completed his field training at the Central Patrol Division and was one of a select few recruit officers allowed to train in the intelligence-based enforcement unit. He quickly distinguished himself as a smart, effective officer.  During his rookie year, Officer Rizoli was selected to work for three months in the gang unit, where he participated in operations with the United States Marshalls Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. His Sergeant Daniel Carrolla says, “What truly separates Officer Rizoli from the rest is his humility, acceptance of feedback, leadership potential, and positive contribution to the culture in our workplace.” His efforts have directly contributed to both a positive culture and a negative crime rate for the Central Patrol Division.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Mant Hawkins is President and CEO of Kaonetics Technologies Inc., an innovative technology company specializing in national security, law enforcement and private sector technology solutions.  He is President of the National Defense Industry Association – Lone Star Chapter, is an active Board Member of the TCU Addran School of Liberal Arts and the State of Texas Private Sector Advisory Council for Homeland Defense and Infrastructure Security.  As a Marine, Hawkins piloted FA-18s all over the world, including air combat from aircraft carriers in Libya and expeditionary airfields in Kosovo and Iraq. From 2005 to 2007 he served as Director of the US Central Command, a think tank studying the Iraq, Afghanistan and African conflict areas, engaging key influential experts and proposing policy-level solutions. Hawkins has a bachelor’s from The Citadel and three master’s degrees from Texas Christian University. Click Here for Full Bio

OFFICER JOHNNY SIDES

December 12, 1928 – February 7, 1951

 We honor the memory of Officer Johnny Sides, who was a Dallas Police Officer and DJCC Member. Just twenty-one days after graduating fifth in his class at the Dallas Police Academy, Officer Sides was fatally wounded when he and his partner confronted a band of criminals wanted for vicious crimes in four states. Even as he fought for his life from his hospital bed, Officer Sides positively identified all four men involved in the shooting. Although an officer for too brief a time, Officer Sides has inspired countless police officers and citizens with his dedication, leadership, caring and sacrifice. It is in his memory that the DJCC has recognized the Dallas Police Department’s Rookie of the Year since 1952. This year marks the 60th annual award ceremony.