Taylorsville’s many dedicated employees were recognized and celebrated during a lively evening of gratitude and camaraderie at the 29th annual City Awards Night.

Featuring a festive Western theme — complete with cowboy hats, red-checked tablecloths and rustic flair — the May 15 event honored exceptional service across departments and highlighted the pride city employees take in their work. Mayor Kristie Overson also delivered the annual State of the City address, describing Taylorsville as “stronger than ever” and attributing its success to the steadfast commitment of city staff and public safety personnel. See the award recipients listed below.

In all, 17 awards were presented, along with milestone recognitions for length of service. Each city award name reflected the Western theme, with playful titles such as the “Tenacious Tumbleweed,” “Red Bandana,” “Heart of the Herd” and “Golden Lasso” awards.

Taylorsville Police Chief Brady Cottam also presented several department honors, including the TVPD Medal of Honor and Lifesaving Award.

“There’s a grit and Western spirit among our team that sets Taylorsville apart,” Mayor Overson said. “Our city continues to flourish because of the incredible people who work here.”

In her August Mayor’s Message, she reflects on the joy of seeing everyone in the room, from all the city's departments and TVPD, laughing and applauding one another. “That’s what makes Taylorsville special,” she said.

Click the links above to read the full Mayor’s Message and State of the City address. Then, select each award title below to learn more about this year’s honorees and view their photos. You can also browse a gallery of fun pictures from the evening’s Western-themed photo booth, with snapshots captured by members of the Taylorsville Youth Council.

• Milestone Recognitions – Recognizing several employees for their time with the city.

• TVPD Medal of Honor – Sgt. Keller, Officer Rogers, Officer Mecham; Det. Haas.

• Police Star – Officer Burr.

• The Pony Express Award – Business License Administrator Barbara Larsen.

• Lifesaving Award –  Officer Stone and Officer Mecham; Officer Sargent; Officer Cluff.

• The Handy Horseshoe Award – City Hall Custodian Mike Skinner.

• TVPD Distinguished Service Award – Det. Hamatake; Det. Griffith. 

• The Red Bandana Award – Municipal Justice Court Assistant Stacy Hurst.

• TVPD Meritorious Service Award – Det. O’Gwin; Det. Haas; Dets. Barrett and Tan; Officer Sykes

• The Tenacious Tumbleweed Award – Long-Range Planner Mark McGrath.

• TVPD Supervisor of the Year – Sgt. Neal.

• Officer of the Year – Officer White.

• Detective of the Year – Det. Hamatake.

• Civilian of the Year – Victim Advocate Merari Lopez.

• Heart of the Herd Award – City Council Coordinator/Youth Council Advisor Kristy Heineman.

• TVPD Unit Citation – TVPD’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU): Deputy Chief Lloyd, Lt. Cheshire, Sgt. Palmer, Det. Griffith, Det. Hamatake, Det. Cameron, Det. Espinoza, Det. Christensen, Det. Andrew, Det. Jensen.

• Chief's Award – Sgt. Carver, Dax Denkers, West Valley City Sgt. Fox and Chelsea Fox; TVPD SWAT Unit: Deputy Chief Miller, Sgt. Lavin, Det. Griffith, Det. Andrew, Officer Hood, Officer Lutz, Officer Cluff, Det. O’Gwin. 

•  The Golden Lasso Award – Government Relations Specialist John Hiskey.