Oakland presents fourth-quarter officer awards

Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan recognized eight officers in the fourth-quarter Police Department Awards presentation during the Oakland Town Commission meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10. 

Cpl. Shawn Dozier was named the 2025 Officer of the Year. At the beginning of the year, he was an officer and advanced to a corporal ranking for his efforts serving the town. 

“He continues to make achievements,” Esan said. “He continues to make connections in the community, and he continues to grow not only as a police officer but (also) as a first-line supervisor. So I think the awards committee, which I don’t sit on, (made) a unanimous decision that Shawn Dozier be awarded the Officer of the Year for 2025.” 

Dozier, as well as officer Jason Hayes, received the Award of Commendation for their response to a call of a boy who wished to end his life at the hands of an officer. They calmly de-escalated the situation and helped the boy receive the proper mental health care he needed. 

Lt. Rene Castro was awarded the Officer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter for organizing the third annual 5K with the 5-0. He gathered multiple sponsors to generate thousands of dollars for the 5K. Castro also partnered with Clermont Police Department to organize the Shop with a Cop event, providing Christmas to more families in 2025 than ever before. 

“This nomination falls so short of what he does every day for everybody in this department,” Esan said. “Administratively, he runs the show from his desk.” 

Officer David Hall received the Award of Commendation for responding to a case of a missing son and followed up with the boy to check on his well-being. His efforts showcased true “community policing,” Esan said. 

Officer Brienna Fernandez became a two-time recipient of the Award of Commendation. She helped calm down a hysterical woman who had experienced abuse by gently holding her hand and being a safe space for the woman. Fernandez also responded to a case of a runaway juvenile who is autistic. When she found him, she allowed him to watch “The Bugs Bunny Show” on her phone to calm him down. 

All officers who participated in the Shop with a Cop event also were given the Award of Commendation. 

“I could not be more proud in this moment that our police department dealt with these folks with compassion and were able to de-escalate the situation that could have gone in a lot different ways than they did,” Commissioner Kris Keller said.