GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Police Department honored some of the best and brightest on the force during its annual awards banquet on Feb. 20.

The vaunted Officer of the Year award went to Cpl. Greg Steele, who has served with the department since 2017. 

Other recipients include Sarah Arendt as Dispatcher of the Year, Wendy Masters as Professional Staff of the Year, Craig Palmer as Volunteer of the Year and Karyme Milano as Explorer of the Year. 

“These individuals have demonstrated exceptional bravery, leadership, and commitment to serving and protecting our Galt community,” the department wrote in a statement. “Their unwavering dedication to public service and safety does not go unnoticed, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements. Please join us in congratulating them for their outstanding service.”

Officer Kyle Hughes was awarded the Mothers Against Drunk Driving DUI Award, which is awarded to the officer who made the most DUI arrests. 

Hughes made 26 DUI arrests in 2024.

In addition, Sgt. Chris Smith, Cpl. Greg Steele, Ofc. Jared Spinelli, Ofc. Andrew Robison, Det. Marie Valdez, Ofc. Andrew Ramirez, Ofc. Zachary Oden, Ofc. Austin Steele, Ofc. Luis Lara and Ofc. Ernesto Martinez were all awarded the department’s Lifesaving Award. 

The award is given to officers for extraordinary bravery in the line of duty. 

Sgt. Roderick Fisher (14 years), Reserve Officer and Parks and Recreation Director Armando Solis (31 years) and K9 Kane (six years) received recognition of Distinguished Service for commitment to the community and to public service.