Pleasanton Police Announce Employees of the Year

Submitted by Pleasanton Police—

The Pleasanton Police Department is pleased to announce the 2013 ‘Officer of the
Year’ and ‘Professional Staff Employee of the Year’, as part of its longstanding annual recognition program for superior performance. Employees throughout the organization nominate their peers for their contributions, which are then reviewed by a committee, with a final selection made by the Police Chief. 

This year the members of the Pleasanton Police Department have honored Detective Matthew Lengel with the distinction of Pleasanton Police Officer of the Year and Community Service Officer Shannon Revel-Whitaker with the distinction of Pleasanton Police Professional Staff Member of the Year.

Over the past year Detective Lengel has demonstrated the qualities that make him one of the most valuable members of this police department. His attention to detail and his unmatched work ethic have benefited not only the Criminal Investigations Unit but the department and City as a whole.

Detective Lengel is currently the most experienced and senior member of the unit and this experience brings a level of professionalism and credibility that has enabled him to be very successful in his duties as a detective. He is highly intelligent, possesses an impeccable work ethic, and has an inquisitive mind; these traits coupled with his experience make him an 
excellent investigator. 

During 2013, Detective Lengel has been the lead investigator or involved with every major investigation our department has faced. This year was not anomalous for Detective Lengel; he has shown his exceptional abilities as an investigator over the last three years. He has not only worked at the highest level as a detective, but has contributed to the department by participating as an instructor / facilitator in Citizens Academy, Teen Academy and various other community outreach programs.
He has always answered the call when he is needed and continues to contribute to the mission of the department and Chief Spiller’s vision. 

CSO Revel-Whitaker has served the organization as the Crime Prevention Community Service Officer since January 2007. Her ongoing and outstanding commitment to the community was demonstrated with exceptional distinction in 2013.

She is recognized as one of the great resources in our organization with extensive knowledge and expertise that serve as a platform where evolution and transformation takes hold. She is driven to find the formula for engaging 
with the community in new and innovative ways. CSO Revel-Whitaker has devoted much of her time in 2013 to advancing the police department’s community outreach efforts through social media.

Her creativity and willingness to take risks has resulted in a Facebook and Nixle following of over four thousand people. Leaders in the Bay Area Law Enforcement Social Media Group have complimented our organization’s professionalism and this is attributed to her efforts.

Possessing a remarkable ability to connect with people, CSO Revel-Whitaker values the power of relationships. She is a standard bearer of integrity and character, earning her the respect of her peers and supervisors.

Fostering relationships with members of the organization has resulted in a more enthusiastic participation of our crime prevention programs where partnership and teamwork thrive. She was instrumental in executing several very impactful programs including National Night Out, Teen Academy, Citizen’s Academy, Crime-Free, Social Media, Nixle, Neighborhood Watch, webcasting and a multitude of community events seamlessly and with little assistance. 

CSO Revel-Whitaker has long exemplified a high level of commitment and customer service and it is for these reasons she has been named 2013 Professional Staff Member of the Year.