PROCLAMATION
COMMENDING AND EXPRESSING SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO OFFICER DEMI GONIS OF THE HERCULES POLICE DEPARTMENT AS THE 2023 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR WHEREAS, Demi Gonis was raised in Brentwood, California, and graduated from Heritage High School in 2015. She played competitive soccer ultimately earning a partial scholarship at California State University of Stanislaus (Turlock). She continued working on her education earning multiple “All Academic,” and “Dean’s List” awards for accomplishing a high level of scholastic achievement by attaining a grade point average of 3.25 or higher while also playing soccer. She also earned a Certificate of achievement in recognition of her outstanding contributions to facilitate and promote healthy activities with young families at the Turlock Head Start Fitness Clinic through the California State University of Stanislaus. Demi Gonis graduated from the University of Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in December of 2019; and WHEREAS, in 2020 Demi Gonis was hired by the Hercules Police Department as a Police Officer Trainee, attended the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Police Academy, and graduated in April of 2021; and WHEREAS, Officer Gonis is currently assigned to patrol where she is instrumental in enforcing traffic laws in the City of Hercules, investigating crimes, participating in community events, and working as part of a team; and WHEREAS, Officer Gonis has displayed a strong commitment to be present for her shifts, which was demonstrated when she was a victim of a hit and run causing her vehicle to flip multiple times and completely destroying her vehicle. Despite the bumps, bruises, and scrapes, and being told by her supervisors to take the day off and heal, she showed up to work a couple of hours later and worked the remainder of her shift; and WHEREAS, in July of 2023, Officer Gonis teamed with other Officers from various northern California law enforcement agencies and competed in the United States Police and Fire Championships in indoor and outdoor soccer forming a formidable team. Together they earned a well-deserved silver medal in indoor soccer; and WHEREAS, in a secret ballot of her peers Officer Gonis was selected for Officer of the Year for 2023 because of her great attitude, proactivity, teamwork, and consistent dedication to the department, and citizens of Hercules.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Dan Romero, Mayor of the City of Hercules, on behalf of the entire City Council and the Hercules community, do hereby commend and express appreciation to Officer Demi Gonis for her dedication to the law enforcement profession and the community she proudly serves.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed on this January 9th, 2024. ______________________________________
Dan Romero, Mayor