Temple’s Police Officer of the Year, Security Officer of the Year and Dispatcher of the Year were among those who were recognized. 

A thunderous round of applause was heard inside the Fox-Gittis Room of the Liacouras Center as Temple University Police Captain Jim Hennigan announced the Department of Public Safety’s Police Officer of the Year: five-year veteran of the department Christopher Peralta. 
 
“Officer Peralta constantly mentors others and serves as a steady presence during difficult situations. He has made meaningful connections to the community and often volunteers to take part in community outreach initiatives. His unwavering commitment to excellence and service sets a standard for all officers to follow,” Hennigan said.  
 
Before joining Temple, Peralta served in the Army Reserves and saw becoming a police officer as a natural next step in his career. He credits Temple Police Captain Enoch McCoy, who was once his next-door neighbor, with inspiring him to pursue law enforcement.  
 
“For years, I listened as McCoy shared stories about working with Temple Public Safety and the strong sense of family within the department,” Peralta said.  

This year’s Security Officer of the Year was Gabriele Degrandi, a former Italian police officer who recently earned his U.S. citizenship, honored for his dedication to uplifting and protecting the Temple community.  
 
“Professional security is often about attitude, commitment, dedication, and the inner desire to get the job done and provide a positive outcome. Officer Gabriele Degrandi has consistently proved exceptional dedication to these principles,” said McCoy, who presented the award. 
 
“I’m honored to work at Temple and I’m proud of my two daughters who are Temple alums. I'm truly proud to serve this community,” Degrandi said.  
 
Dispatcher of the Year was awarded to Natasha Rivera-Overton.  
 
“For 18 years, she has been the steady, reassuring voice on the other end of the line at our police department, a voice of calm in moments of chaos, and a constant source of strength for both our officers and our community,” said Deputy Police Chief Guy Sava.  
 
“It was a very proud moment to receive this award and to have my daughter here to show her that hard work pays off,” said Rivera-Overton. “I like helping others and I like the people I do it with. That’s what kept me here for more than 18 years.”  

Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin said it was an honor to recognize the dedication of the men and women who serve and protect the Temple and North Philadelphia communities.  
 
“Today is a celebration of service, of excellence, and of the profound impact each of you has on our campus and beyond,” Griffin said. “It is because of your hard work and passion that Temple University remains a safe and welcoming place for all who walk through its doors. We are proud of the work you do.” 
 

Temple Public Safety also honored several people for their years of service to the department. They include the following.                                                  

20 years of service  

Lieutenant Brian Crawford  

25 years of service  

Security Officer Ethel Taylor  

30 years of service  

Police Officer Damon Mitchell  

Security Officer Cynthia Robinson  

Dispatcher Kelvin Holmes  

35 years of service  

Security Officer William Miller  

40 years of service  

Police Officer Jonathan Woodson  

Police Officer Brent Tillman  

Police Officer Gloria West 
 
To view a photo album of the ceremony, click here.