From left are Crystal Rico, Ted Jorgenson, Shauna Manina, Police Officer Chris Kerner, Devon Camara-Soucy, Ben Ernest, Anna Deusenberry and Kathy Ernest. The Dixon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors held a brief ceremony for Kerner on March 20 after being announced as the first Police Officer of the Year.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - On March 8, Officer Chris Kerner of the Dixon Police Department was named the department’s first Police Officer of the Year at the Celebrate Dixon community event.

Kerner’s dedication to his duties, the community and the department earned him this achievement. Kerner represents the highest standards of the Dixon Police Department with his attitude and work ethic, according to the award.

In August 2023, Kerner became the department’s school resource officer, becoming an integral part of the school community and ensuring the safety and well-being of staff, students and parents alike. He is known to go above and beyond, attending school-related events, even outside of his working hours, and his commitment to the role has made this partnership between the City of Dixon and Dixon Unified School District a success.

Dixon Police Chief Robert Thompson (left) had nothing but positive things to say about Officer Kerner’s (right) contributions to the force and Dixon community.

Kerner is known to prefer proactive over reactive approaches, working closely with students, parents and school staff to tackle minor policy violations head-on. He is also quite involved in classroom discussions, engaging with students on legal matters and law enforcement, further strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the school district. 

In addition to his role with the schools, Kerner serves as a field training officer, using his experience and leadership to shape Dixon’s next generation of law enforcement. Kerner is also pursuing the position of officer in charge, giving him more opportunities to support the community and his fellow officers. Kerner often assists the Investigations Division, taking on the majority of the department’s Child Welfare Services referrals and steps in to support the Patrol Division when necessary.

In late 2024, Kerner spearheaded the development of a juvenile diversion program aimed at providing guidance and support to at-risk minors. This forward-thinking initiative exemplifies Kerner’s law enforcement approach, offering a second chance to youths in the community. 

Since 2023, Police Officer Chris Kerner has been a school resource officer for the Dixon Unified School District. He also works as a field training officer and tends to support the Investigations and Patrol Division when necessary.

Because of Kerner’s inability to attend Celebrate Dixon on March 8, he was awarded at the Dixon Police Department Precinct on March 20. He appeared humbled by the experience.

“I appreciate you honoring me and taking the time to recognize me. I would not be able to do what I do without my partners and the other officers in the precinct,” said Kerner.

The Dixon Police Department has five core values: service, honesty, integrity, accountability and respect. Having been voted Officer of the Year by a collective of his peers, Kerner represents these values. For his proactive approach to law enforcement and his positive interaction with the school community, Kerner is the 2024 Police Officer of the Year.