Group of Westminster Police Department officers and staff posing with medals in front of a department banner indoors.
(pictured left to right: Officer Guio, Molly Mayber, Sergeant Holton, Officer Pequeno, Officer Lawler, Officer Rogers, Officer Solano, Officer Rodocker, Officer Porta, Officer Wells, Officer Salcedo, Retired Officer Hopkins and Chief Haubert)
Date: 10/28/2026
WESTMINSTER, Colo -- On National First Responder Day, we’re giving a huge shoutout to the brave men and women in public safety who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.
At WPD, we recently honored 12 outstanding employees at our annual Awards Banquet for going above and beyond in the line of duty, including responding to dangerous calls and saving lives.
Molly Mayber and Chief Norm Haubert
Professional Staff Outstanding Service Award - Molly Mayber
Awarded to one or more Westminster Police Department Professional Staff member(s) who through their actions, have contributed significantly and consistently to the successful operation of the department in their daily job function through Service, Pride, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation, and Teamwork (S.P.I.R.I.T). This award recognizes Professional Staff who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to duty, quality service delivery, enhanced productivity, improvements to systems and procedures, relationship building, or regularly contributes to the organization at a very high level in support of the overall mission of the Westminster Police Department.
Since rejoining the Westminster Police Department in 2021, Molly has consistently gone above and beyond in serving the department and community through her professionalism, compassion and dedication. In addition to her role as a Report Specialist, she has led WPD’s participation in A Precious Child’s Fill-A-Backpack program for 11 years, helping provide school supplies to local children. She also played a key role in helping the North Central Colorado Regional Child Abduction Response Team (CART) earn national certification, strengthening the region’s preparedness for child abduction cases. Molly’s commitment to service, teamwork and excellence makes her a deserving recipient of the Professional Staff Outstanding Service Award.
Senior Police Officer Brandon Porta and Chief Norm Haubert
Meritorious Service Award – Senior Police Officer Brandon Porta
May be awarded to a department member for (1) an act involving operational risk in which extraordinary efforts were used, or (2) an act that directly results in the saving of a life, or (3) an attempted life-saving act during which extraordinary efforts were used and personal risk to the department member was involved, or (4) demonstrates de-escalation techniques while practicing good tactics and using extraordinary and personal risk to the department member involved, or (5) an act performed or condition maintained that exemplifies significant achievement.
On August 6, 2026, Senior Police Officer Brandon Porta responded to a home for an unresponsive 11-year-old child. Upon arrival, he quickly recognized the child had no pulse and was not breathing, immediately taking over CPR and continuing lifesaving efforts until medics arrived. Thanks to Officer Porta’s swift action and persistence, the child was successfully revived and transported to the hospital alert and talking. For his extraordinary actions and dedication to saving a child’s life, Officer Porta is being awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
Police Office Joe Rodocker, Senior Police Officer Adams Wells and Chief Norm Haubert
Meritorious Service Award – Senior Police Officer Adam Wells
Meritorious Service Award – Police Officer Joe Rodocker
May be awarded to a department member for (1) an act involving operational risk in which extraordinary efforts were used, or (2) an act that directly results in the saving of a life, or (3) an attempted life-saving act during which extraordinary efforts were used and personal risk to the department member was involved, or (4) demonstrates de-escalation techniques while practicing good tactics and using extraordinary and personal risk to the department member involved, or (5) an act performed or condition maintained that exemplifies significant achievement.
On May 28, 2026, Senior Police Officer Adam Wells and Police Officer Joe Rodocker responded to a rapidly spreading townhome fire, where they helped evacuate residents and assisted an injured woman. Recognizing the danger to neighboring units, Officer Rodocker forced entry into an adjacent home and located a sleeping father and his teenage son, ensuring both were safely evacuated. Throughout the incident, both officers demonstrated exceptional bravery, quick thinking, and dedication by helping residents escape, securing medical assistance, and supporting firefighters. For their decisive actions that likely prevented serious injury or loss of life, Officers Wells and Rodocker are being awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
Senior Police Officer Derek Rogers, Senior Police Officer Alexis Salcedo and Chief Norm Haubert
Meritorious Service Award – Senior Police Officer Derek Rogers
Meritorious Service Award – Senior Police Officer Alexis Salcedo
May be awarded to a department member for (1) an act involving operational risk in which extraordinary efforts were used, or (2) an act that directly results in the saving of a life, or (3) an attempted life-saving act during which extraordinary efforts were used and personal risk to the department member was involved, or (4) demonstrates de-escalation techniques while practicing good tactics and using extraordinary and personal risk to the department member involved, or (5) an act performed or condition maintained that exemplifies significant achievement.
On July 29, 2026, Senior Police Officers Derek Rogers and Alexis Salcedo responded to Irving Street Park, where they encountered an unresponsive man experiencing a suspected overdose. Working alongside Westminster Park Rangers, they administered Narcan and performed CPR until the man regained a pulse, began breathing, and regained consciousness. The man was transported to the hospital and made a full recovery. For their quick thinking, teamwork, and lifesaving actions, Officers Rogers and Salcedo are being awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
Retired Senior Police Officer Scott Hopkins and Chief Norm Haubert
Meritorious Service Award – Retired Senior Police Officer Scott Hopkins
May be awarded to a department member for (1) an act involving operational risk in which extraordinary efforts were used, or (2) an act that directly results in the saving of a life, or (3) an attempted life-saving act during which extraordinary efforts were used and personal risk to the department member was involved, or (4) demonstrates de-escalation techniques while practicing good tactics and using extraordinary and personal risk to the department member involved, or (5) an act performed or condition maintained that exemplifies significant achievement.
Senior Police Officer Scott Hopkins has dedicated 40 years to law enforcement, including 24 years with the Westminster Police Department and 22 years serving on the SWAT team as a member of the Sniper Team. Throughout his career, he participated in hundreds of successful deployments, consistently demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism, and commitment to his teammates. His experience, mentorship, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the department and the SWAT team. In recognition of his distinguished career and unwavering service, Officer Hopkins is being awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
Police Officer Brandon Guio, Senior Police Office Zach Pequeno, Sergeant Steve Holton and Chief Norm Haubert
Distinguished Service Award – Sergeant Steve Holton
Distinguished Service Award – Senior Police Officer Zach Pequeno
Distinguished Service Award – Police Officer Brandon Guio
To be awarded for an act which involved significant risk to any department member and is performed with distinguished duty.
On December 9, 2025, Sergeant Steve Holton, Senior Police Officer Zach Pequeno, and Police Officer Brandon Guio responded to an apartment fire where a resident was believed to be trapped inside. Despite heavy smoke and intense heat, the officers repeatedly entered the residence in an effort to locate and rescue the resident while helping ensure the scene was safe for firefighters. Although the resident did not survive, the officers demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness while risking their own safety in an attempted lifesaving rescue. In recognition of their bravery and distinguished service, all three officers are being awarded the Distinguished Service Award.
Senior Police Officer Chase Lawler, Senior Police Officer Ryan Solano and Chief Norm Haubert
Distinguished Service Award – Senior Police Officer Chase Lawler
Distinguished Service Award – Senior Police Officer Ryan Solano
To be awarded for an act which involved significant risk to any department member and is performed with distinguished duty.
On August 8, 2026, Senior Police Officers Chase Lawler and Ryan Solano responded to reports of an armed individual actively firing shots at an apartment complex. Despite the immediate danger, both officers advanced toward the gunfire and used clear commands, sound judgment, and tactical positioning to gain control of the scene. Their courage and quick thinking helped prevent additional gunfire and potentially saved lives while bringing the dangerous situation to a peaceful resolution. For their bravery, critical thinking, and distinguished service, Officers Lawler and Solano are being awarded the Distinguished Service Award.
WPD Honor Guard
A special thanks to the Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation, the Westminster Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, the WPD Honor Guard, WPD Chaplain Chris Knudsen, Roaming Buffalo BBQ, Kevin Snyder Photography and Emcee Corey Rose for their contributions to the banquet.