Sedona Police Department Honors Elle Douglas as Cadet of the Year

Verde Valley School’s Elle Douglas, a standout senior, was honored as the Sedona Police Department’s 2024 Cadet of the Year at a ceremony held at the Sedona Elks Lodge on December 15.

Sedona Police Department Awards
This is the second installment of a two-part series on the 2024 Sedona Police Department Awards, the first focusing on Officer of the Year, Shayla Jones, and other officers.

SPD Deputy Chief Chris Dowell praised Douglas for her significant contributions to the cadet program, including recruiting four new members in the past two years, despite splitting her time between Sedona and Naperville, Illinois, where she is also active in a cadet program.

In response to her recognition, Douglas expressed satisfaction, saying, “Any recognition feels good. It’s nice to think you’ve made an impact in the community… I hope it will outlive my time living here.” This impact reflects her dedication and service, even as she prepares to leave for Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where she aims to study law, aspiring to be a prosecutor or an FBI agent.

John Gordon, VVS Director of Enrollment Management, commended Douglas for her exceptional character and ability to connect across social boundaries. He remarked on her proactive approach to education and extracurricular activities, emphasizing her role in encouraging fellow students to engage, especially in the cadet program.

A multifaceted student, Douglas also played center midfield for two soccer teams, participated in the school’s chess club, and was a point guard for the girls’ baseball team until sidelined by injury. Instructor Lucas noted her leadership skills, stating, “She is highly motivated and committed, taking on the role of keeping everybody in line.”

Her mother, Kelly Douglas, shared her pride, highlighting Elle’s pursuit of uncommon passions and success in recruiting classmates for the cadet program.

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Lance Waldrop, a Navy veteran, for his extensive service in vehicle repairs and oversight within the department. Waldrop, who also serves on the Sedona Fire District Governing Board, has saved the city thousands of dollars through his efforts. “Volunteering with [SPD] has made me feel at home in Sedona,” he explained.

Additionally, Ray Schwartz was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award after logging over 5,300 hours since he began volunteering in 2008. The city acknowledged his friendly demeanor and his contributions to educating visitors about Sedona’s rich landscape.

Darrel Earnshaw and Ron Siddoway received awards for their volunteer hours, with Earnshaw achieving a silver star and Siddoway a gold star for their respective contributions of 549 and 1,163 hours. A moment of silence was held for department volunteers who passed away in 2024, including Ron Minzer, Mark Zimmerman, and former city councilman Mike Ward.