Lake recognized as Oakland Officer of the Year

Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan has recognized many of his top cops for their dedication in 2024. The awards were presented at the Feb. 20 Oakland Town Commission meeting.

OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Officer Samaria Lake, a member of the Oakland Police Department since 2022, was named Officer of the Year for 2024.

Last year, Lake was transferred to the school resource officer position at Oakland Avenue Charter School.

“It did not take long for Officer Lake to find her passion for engaging and making a positive impact on the children of OACS,” Esan said. “Officer Lake immediately opened up lines of communication between herself and school staff, demonstrating her dedication to the safety of the children. … Officer Lake can often be seen walking the property delivering smiles (and) high fives and (on the) occasional holiday dressed as a superhero.

“Many parents have made it a point to deliver kind words of praise in regard to the interaction and caring nature she displays on a daily basis,” Esan said. “In addition, I have received several phone calls and emails from staff at the school, praising Officer Lake for her overall ability to be a valued part of the charter school.”

Outside of her regular assignment, Lake works consistently on bettering herself as an officer. She has attended many classes, trying to build her skill set as an officer and a leader. Esan said she has had many conversations with him about her plans for the future and it is apparent that her commitment and drive for excellence has been a major contributing factor in making those around her better.

She has shared that her goal is to become chief of police in Oakland.

“For her overwhelming dedication, commitment and positive attitude towards her assignment, the students and staff at the Oakland Avenue Charter School, and her drive to surround others with positivity, Officer Samaria Lake is awarded the Oakland Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2024,” Esan said.

“People like Officer Lake make this place great,” he said.

The school held its own celebration that week to recognize Lake. OACS students and staff, the police department, town of Oakland officials and members of the school community gathered to honor Lake. Principal Pam Dwyer presented a special heart-shaped plaque, and students performed a personalized song.

The students then showered her with handmade cards, thoughtful gifts, warm hugs and an overwhelming amount of love.

“It was a memorable event that truly showcased how much Officer Lake means to our school and community,” Dwyer said.

OFFICER OF THE FOURTH QUARTER

Reserve Officer Reynalis Rojas was named Officer of the Fourth Quarter.

Although she works a full-time job outside of the department and is raising two daughters, she continues to keep her commitment to her reserve hours with the Oakland PD. During the fourth quarter of 2024, Rojas’ statistics rivaled, if not exceeded, those numbers achieved by many full-time officers, Esan said.

“With an emphasis on traffic enforcement as well as community engagement, Officer Rojas has made it a personal goal to look after multiple families who reside in Lake John’s Motel along State Road 50.”

During the Christmas holiday season, Rojas identified about a dozen children in the motel whose families needed financial assistance. She bought toys and clothing for each child using personal money as well as some resources from the department.

Rojas rarely misses a town event, volunteering to assist, and she recognizes special dates such as birthdays, holidays and anniversaries of her co-workers.

“As the department prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, she went grocery shopping for her co-workers who would be spending an unknown period of time sleeping at the department,” Esan said. “Unable to remain at the PD due to her parental responsibilities, Rojas made sure we were taken care of,” buying snacks and toiletries for the locker rooms.

“For her consistent superior work product in the line of duty, unwavering support of the residents within the town of Oakland, as well as her willingness to take care of her co-workers when needed, Officer Reynalis Rojas is awarded the Oakland Police Department’s Officer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2024,” Esan said.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - INDIVIDUAL

Cpl. Justin Gau assisted a driver who had a flat tire on West Colonial Drive at the Lake County line last November. When he discovered the driver did not have the tire iron required to operate the vehicle jack, he went to a nearby store and purchased a floor jack so the tire could be safely changed.

“For his willingness to think outside of the box as well as purchase items for a stranded motorist, Cpl. Justin Gau is hereby awarded the Oakland Police Department’s Community Service Award,” Esan said.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - GROUP

Twelve members of the OPD also were recognized with the Community Service Award for their role in Shop with a Cop at the Walmart in Clermont Dec. 20. The department raised enough money to sponsor 21 children in the town of Oakland and took them on a holiday shopping spree, giving each child $100.

Those recognized were officers Lake, James Hayes, Kyle Thompson, Reynalis Rojas and Shawn Dozier; corporals Gau and Roger Fisher; Sgt. Barry Strykowski; Lt. Rene Castro; Deputy Chief Mike Bryant; Executive Assistant Stacie Quinn; and Administrative Assistant Kelly Sims.

Oakland has participated in the annual event since 2022.

Castro organized the event and ensured each child would be paired with an Oakland Police Department member. Quinn and Sims handled many of the tasks, including checking in the shoppers, monitoring the purchases and keeping records.

The remaining officers accompanied the children, making sure they had an enjoyable experience. Many of these employees were off shift and participated in this event on their own time.