Antioch Police honor Officer of the Year Steven Miller, other employees with annual awards
Including Dispatcher & Civilian Employee of the Year and Distinguished Service & Life Saving Awards; Chief Vigil shares reasons each was honored
By Antioch Police Department
Monday night, March 8, 2026, the Antioch Police Department had the honor of recognizing several employees for their outstanding work and dedication to our community. Awards presented included Officer of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and Life Saving Awards.
We also recognized Captain Desmond Bittner for his leadership and work with the SWAT Team, and Lieutenant William “Bill” Whitaker for his dedication to the K-9 Team.
During the ceremony, Chief Joe Vigil shared about each of the award winners and the reasons they were honored:
Officer of the Year – Officer Steven Miller
This nomination recognizes an officer whose exceptional work ethic, unwavering dedication to the Field Training Officer program, proactive policing style, and consistently high-quality investigative work have made a significant impact on the Antioch Police Department over the past year.
This officer consistently demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment that exceeds the expectations of the position. Their work ethic is evident in daily performance, reliability, and a willingness to take initiative without prompting. Every assignment is approached with focus, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility, setting a positive example for peers and newer officers alike.
As a Field Training Officer, this individual has shown outstanding dedication to developing the next generation of officers. They take the responsibility of training seriously, investing the time and effort necessary to ensure that trainees are not only competent, but confident, ethical, and officer-safe. Their ability to teach, mentor, and lead by example has had a direct and positive impact on the overall quality of officers entering solo patrol.
This officer is also recognized as extremely proactive in the field. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, they actively seek out criminal activity, identify patterns and trends, and take enforcement action that enhances public safety. This proactive mindset has resulted in numerous arrests, significant seizures, and meaningful law enforcement contacts that may not have occurred without their initiative and awareness.
In addition, this officer has developed a strong reputation for the preparation and execution of search warrants. Their warrants are thorough, articulate, and legally sound, reflecting a strong understanding of case law and investigative procedure. Attention to detail and a commitment to constitutional policing have contributed to successful investigations and prosecutions while minimizing risk to the department.
In every aspect of their work whether mentoring new officers, proactively policing the community, or conducting detailed investigative work this officer exemplifies the professionalism, dedication, and leadership that define the best of our department.
For these reasons, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Officer of the Year Steven Miller.
Dispatcher of the Year – Autumn Turnage
It is my honor for Dispatcher of the Year in recognition of an individual whose professionalism, sound judgment, and dedication to public safety have made a profound impact on the department and the community. Dispatchers serve as the critical first point of contact in emergencies, often managing life-and-death situations while ensuring officer safety in rapidly evolving circumstances. The individual being recognized today exemplifies the very best of this profession.
On Christmas Eve of 2024, while working a 16-hour shift, this dispatcher answered a 911 call from a man whose boat had sunk, leaving him stranded in the water and fearing for his life. Over the course of nearly an hour, the dispatcher remained on the line as a steady voice during an extremely emotional and frightening situation. The caller repeatedly stated he could not feel his legs, believed he was going to die, and asked that his father and sister be told that he loved them.
Throughout the call, the dispatcher coordinated critical information between multiple agencies, including GPS coordinates and Rapid Deploy location pings, in order to assist the Coast Guard in locating the victim. While maintaining calm and reassurance for the caller, the dispatcher carried the heavy weight of knowing that time was running out. At 12:02 a.m. on Christmas morning, the Coast Guard successfully rescued the man and brought him safely to shore. The rescue later received regional and national media attention, highlighting the dispatcher’s role in saving a life.
In addition to these extraordinary incidents, this dispatcher serves as one of the department’s top Communications Training Officers and has been instrumental in the development of new dispatch personnel. Known for patience, thoroughness, and an approachable personality, this individual creates an environment where trainees feel comfortable asking questions and learning the complexities of the profession. In 2025 alone, this dispatcher trained three new dispatchers over a period of approximately six months.
Through professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to helping others, this individual has made a lasting impact on the department, the officers in the field, and the community they serve. Their work reflects the highest standards of the communications profession.
For consistent excellence, extraordinary performance under pressure, and a deep commitment to public safety, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage.
Civilian Employee of the Year – Crime Analyst Mike Raney
It is my honor to present for Civilian of the Year in recognition of an individual whose exceptional dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have made a significant impact on the mission of the Antioch Police Department.
Serving as a Crime Analyst, this individual consistently performs far beyond the expectations of the position. During a year marked by staffing shortages and increased operational demands, they stepped up without hesitation to ensure that critical investigative and analytical functions continued without disruption. Their initiative and work ethic directly contributed to the success of numerous investigations and helped maintain the overall effectiveness of the department.
Over the past year alone, this person completed more than 100 cellular phone extractions, providing vital digital evidence that proved instrumental in multiple criminal cases. In addition, they authored more than 50 search warrants, demonstrating both strong technical expertise and a thorough understanding of legal standards. Their work has helped investigators obtain timely and lawful access to crucial evidence in complex investigations.
Beyond these measurable accomplishments, what truly sets this individual apart is a willingness to do whatever is needed to support the department. Whether assisting detectives, supporting patrol operations, handling time-sensitive requests, or stepping in to help with responsibilities outside the normal scope of their duties, this person consistently answers the call. Their reliability, adaptability, and problem-solving skills have made them an indispensable resource and a trusted partner to sworn personnel.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact is anything but hidden. The efforts of this individual have had a direct and lasting effect on public safety, case solvability, and the overall success of the department. Their dedication exemplifies the highest standards of service and reflects great credit upon themselves and the Antioch Police Department.
For extraordinary contributions, selfless commitment, and outstanding performance, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Civilian of the Year Michael Raney.
Distinguished Service Award – Detective Geoffrey Morris
Detective Geoffrey Morris is recognized for his decisive actions, determination, and leadership during the pursuit and apprehension of an attempted residential burglary suspect on December 30, 2025.
At approximately 0950 hours, patrol units responded to reports of a male suspect moving through residential backyards and attempting to break into a home. The suspect was actively fleeing from officers and had already escalated his behavior by attempting to force entry into an occupied residence. As the suspect continued to move rapidly through neighborhood properties, his actions created an ongoing threat to the safety of local residents.
Detective Morris responded to assist patrol officers and actively participated in the search and containment efforts as updates indicated the suspect was continuing to evade law enforcement. During the operation, officers broadcast information that the suspect had fled into a large open field accessed from Empire Mine Road. When Detective Morris arrived at the location, he immediately identified a locked gate that prevented vehicle access into the area. The gate was secured with a heavy chain and multiple locks anchored by cemented posts, and the surrounding terrain prevented officers from bypassing the barrier with their vehicles. This obstacle created a significant operational challenge and provided the suspect with a critical opportunity to increase distance and escape into open terrain.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the importance of maintaining containment, Detective Morris took immediate action. Using physical force, he defeated the chain and locking mechanism, causing one of the locks to fail and allowing officers to open the gate. His quick and decisive action restored access to Empire Mine Road and enabled responding units to rapidly enter the field and continue the search. Without Detective Morris’s intervention, officers would have been significantly delayed at a crucial moment, greatly increasing the likelihood that the suspect would have escaped.
Shortly after officers gained access to the area, the suspect was located along a dirt path, visibly exhausted and soaked from running through wet terrain. Detective Morris immediately climbed over a four-foot barbed-wire style fence and safely took the suspect into custody without further incident, placing him in handcuffs and maintaining control through proper officer safety procedures.
Detective Morris demonstrated exceptional initiative, determination, and leadership throughout the incident. By recognizing a critical obstacle, acting immediately to overcome it, and decisively taking the suspect into custody in challenging terrain, he directly influenced the successful outcome of the operation. His actions reflect a high level of professionalism and dedication to the safety of the community.
For his outstanding performance and commitment to service, Detective Geoffrey Morris is deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.
Life Saving Award – Officer Kyle Smith
On March 18, 2023, Officer Kyle Smith to 137 Wilbur Avenue after an 11-year-old reporting party called 9-1-1 requesting immediate help for an assault in progress.
Upon arrival, Officer Smith encountered a rapidly evolving emergency. Outside the residence he observed clear signs of a violent attack, including a large amount of blood and a knife leading to the open apartment door.
Officer Smith immediately made entry and located multiple victims inside the apartment, including two juveniles, 14-year-old Oscar and 11-year-old Yaret both suffering from stab wounds. Officer Smith quickly assessed the victims and recognized that Oscar had sustained the most critical injuries, including a large open wound to the back near the left shoulder blade with significant bleeding and exposed tissue. Understanding the life-threatening nature of the injury and the urgency of the moment, Officer Smith retrieved his medical kit and immediately began lifesaving measures. He exposed the wound, packed it with gauze, and applied firm direct pressure while closely monitoring Oscar’s condition until emergency medical personnel arrived and assumed care.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Oscar was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Oakland and was later listed in critical condition. Officer Smith’s immediate and decisive trauma care controlled the bleeding during the most critical moments following the assault and may have been the determining factor in the victim’s survival.
Despite the chaotic and emotionally charged environment, Officer Smith remained composed and continued his duties by obtaining an immediate suspect identification and broadcasting the suspect’s name over the radio. This information proved critical in assisting responding officers, ultimately leading to the suspect’s apprehension following a lengthy high-speed pursuit.
Officer Smith’s actions demonstrated exceptional judgment, composure under extreme pressure, and decisive lifesaving intervention during a critical incident involving severely injured juvenile victims. His swift medical response directly contributed to stabilizing a critically injured child prior to advanced medical treatment.
Officer Kyle Smith’s courage, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the lives of others exemplify the highest standards of the Antioch Police Department and make him deserving of the Life Saving Award. (See related articles here and here)
Life Saving Awards – Sergeant Robert Green and Detective Geoffrey Morris
On February 8, 2024, at approximately 1815 hours, officers with the Antioch Police Department responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle had driven into the Antioch Marina boat ramp and had become submerged with the driver still inside.
Sergeant Green and Detective Morris were the first to arrive on scene and immediately observed the vehicle several yards out in the water, with the interior already completely flooded. Without hesitation and recognizing the imminent danger to the trapped occupant, both officers entered the cold water to attempt a rescue.
Upon reaching the vehicle, they discovered an unresponsive female driver inside, facedown and trapped within the submerged car. The vehicle’s doors were locked, preventing immediate access. Acting quickly, Detective Morris used a rescue tool to break a window while Sergeant Green positioned himself to remove the victim. Once the window was broken, Sergeant Green was able to pull the unconscious driver from the vehicle. Detective Morris then carried the victim out of the water and onto the boat ramp where she could receive further assistance.
After the rescue, Sergeant Green returned to the vehicle to ensure no additional occupants were inside. Citizens at the scene assisted by providing ropes to secure the vehicle and prevent it from drifting further into the Delta.
Due to the decisive actions, courage, and teamwork demonstrated by Sergeant Green and Detective Morris, the victim was successfully rescued and later regained consciousness. She was transported to a local hospital where she made a full recovery.
Their willingness to immediately place themselves in danger in order to save the life of another reflects the highest traditions of the Antioch Police Department and is worthy of recognition through the Life Saving Award.
We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their commitment to serving our community every day. Congratulations to all of the recipients!
Thank you all for your dedication and service!
the attachments to this post:
APD 2025 Annual Awards
APD 2025 Life Saving Awards Sgt Green & Det Morris & Sgt Fachner
APD 2025 Life Saving Awards Sgt Green & Det Morris w Sgt Fachner
APD 2025 Life Saving Award winner Officer Kyle Smith w Lt Bill Whitaker
APD 2025 Annual Awards Det Morris and Sgt Fachner
APD 2025 Annual Awards Raney & Captn Bittner
APD 2025 Dispatcher of the Yr Autumn Turnage & Dispatch Mgr Stacey Malsom
APD 2025 Officer of Yr Miller w Bower & Vigil
