ASU Police honor service, teamwork at 2025 awards banquet

Arizona State University Police Department employees, civilian staff and community partners gathered Feb. 21 at the ASU Health Futures Center to celebrate a year defined by teamwork, service and impact.

The 2025 ASU Police Awards Banquet recognized outstanding contributions across the department, from proactive campus safety efforts to behind-the-scenes operational support. The evening also featured keynote speaker Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, whose message of perseverance and heart set an uplifting tone for the celebration.

While dozens of awards and commendations were presented for efforts throughout the year, one group stood out as the night’s biggest winner: the Downtown Weekend Night Squad.

The team, which serves the university’s downtown Phoenix campus during some of its busiest hours, earned the Team Award for its coordinated and results-driven approach to public safety. Working in close collaboration, squad members have significantly increased proactive enforcement while strengthening engagement with students, staff and visitors.

“The Downtown Weekend Night Squad represents what is possible when leadership, accountability and teamwork align,” Assistant Chief Dave Ramer said. “Their success is not about individual recognition; it is about a group of professionals who trust one another, support one another and are fully committed to the safety of our downtown community.”

Two members of that squad, Officer Daniel Ruettiger and Officer Alexa Milius, were recognized multiple times during the ceremony, reflecting a year of sustained performance and leadership. Both officers received commendations for their work on complex and high-pressure incidents. Together, they were also honored with a Lifesaving Award, one of the department’s highest recognitions, for decisive actions taken while responding to a medical emergency near the downtown campus.

Lt. Giovanni Cassano and Sgt. Morgan Davis also received a Lifesaving Award for their rapid response and immediate first aid that saved the life of an ASU student experiencing a life-threatening injury.

“Lifesaving Awards are not given lightly. They acknowledge when training, teamwork and decisive action come together to preserve life,” Assistant Chief Carrie Gambee said. “The fact that our department has honored four officers in two separate incidents speaks to the caliber of public safety professionals serving our community. Protecting and preserving human life is our highest calling, and these moments reflect that responsibility.”

Beyond the Downtown Weekend Night Squad and the lifesaving recognitions, the banquet highlighted excellence throughout the department.

Officer Gus McKinley was named Officer of the Year for his proactive patrol work and measurable impact on campus safety. Sgt. Bryce Meyers, who leads the Downtown Weekend Night Squad, earned Sworn Supervisor of the Year for fostering a culture of accountability, initiative and teamwork.

On the civilian side, Kathleen “Kat” Coulter was honored as Civilian of the Year for her leadership and operational support across the department. Crime Prevention Program Manager Jason Weber was named Civilian Supervisor of the Year for advancing problem-oriented policing initiatives that address safety concerns before they escalate.

Several employees were also recognized for completing academic degrees, reinforcing ASU’s broader commitment to higher education and lifelong learning.

Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that while only some employees receive formal awards, many more contribute in ways that merit recognition. The commendations issued during the year reflect everyday acts of professionalism, compassion and dedication that often go unseen but are essential to maintaining a safe university environment.

In closing remarks, department leaders thanked families and colleagues for their continued support and reaffirmed a shared mission: creating a safe environment where students, faculty and staff can learn and thrive.

“This evening is not simply about awards or recognition,” Chief John Thompson said. “It is about honoring the character, integrity and commitment of the men and women who serve this university each day. Their dedication and the unwavering support of their families strengthens our department and reinforces our solemn responsibility to protect and preserve this community.”