In the fall of last year, Denver Police Officer Nikita Utkin and his partner were patrolling in the early hours of the morning when they observed what they described as a “suspicious vehicle” parked behind a local restaurant.

In the car, they found a little girl and her father, who said they were homeless and they were, at the moment, living with his mother.

The cops drove the little girl back to her grandmother’s house, where she had been living. During the ride, she shared distress about not being able to trick or treat with her father on Halloween. Her grandmother, she said, couldn’t afford to buy any candy.

Upon arrival, her grandmother also told officers she was finding it difficult to enroll the girl in school. 

The officers contacted Denver Human Services to help assist in the child’s school enrollment.

But the officers’ service didn’t end there.

That Halloween, Utkin and Officer Carly Gutshall went back to the child’s home and gave her a basket of candy.

As they left, the girl asked if they would be back for her birthday in the next few days. So, on her birthday, the two officers returned and gifted her a Barbie Doll and Dollhouse.

And they stayed to help set it up.

Lieutenant Troy Sandoval, the officers’ supervisor, joined in as well. He worked with three case coordinators to generate a list of wants and needs for the family for the holidays. Other district staff even came together to throw a Christmas celebration for the family, complete with transportation, presents, cookies and a visit from Elsa.

On Wednesday, Sandoval, Utkin and Gutshall were recognized, along with four other police personnel, at the Citizens Appreciate Police Award ceremony.

Citizens Appreciate Police is a nonprofit organization that recognizes officers multiple times a year for serving the public outside of their regular call of duty. Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley formed the group in 1978. 

Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas said the ceremony is one of his favorite events.

“Today, we’re going to hear about a lot of stories that we don’t often hear about. You know, we hear a lot about our protest response. We hear a lot about some of our other issues that are much more prominent,” he said. “But I think the things that you’re going to hear today are actually the thigs that our officers engage in much more often.”

The officers were honored for a wide variety of services, including organizing community events, diligent investigative work and victim support.

Sergeant Monica David-Vickery, for example, donated her car to a family in need.

David-Vickery became aware of an Afghan refugee family, which was struggling to find employment and transportation to get their young children to school in 2024.

In addition to delivering toys and food, she donated her 2007 Honda Pilot to the family. That action has helped the family settle into their new life.

David-Vickery’s son, Commander Michael O’Donnell, also works for the Denver Police Department. He spoke about his mother’s 47 years of service and extensive sacrifice.

“I am so proud of my mom. For her to come alongside this family that has seen so much brutality, war, just horrific situations, and to put them on a path to stabilization,” he said.

Technician Heather Hohnholz was honored for her contributions to the successful conviction of a serial rapist and murderer who was a repeat offender on Colfax Avenue.

Hohnholz’s colleagues commended her for the care she takes during initial investigations.

“I’m really proud of the connections I have been able to make with my victims and for the people I’ve been able to hold accountable,” said Hohnholz.

Detective Brian Lang was honored for his sensitive and compassionate delivery when informing a wife of her husband’s suicide.

His supervisors emphasized how well he supports victims and works to provide resources for them in their time of need.

Lang said the call is one he will never forget.

“I will fight for the victim, because when I get that call, that’s who I’m working for,” he said.

Sergeant Chris Baird was honored for hosting a slew of community events, including multiple clothing drives and a community BBQ, where he partnered with PHA Shriners for a school supply and backpack giveaway.

“This is an honorable profession. What we do, what we serve,” Baird said. “A lot of times, we don’t get credit in the ebbs and flows of what takes place in the world. But being a police officer is an honor. So, honoring that and being able to go out and help those in need, it’s just given me a vehicle to do it.”