Last Updated on January 17, 2024, 12:16 PM | Published: January 17, 2024
The City of Oklahoma City sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY – January 16, 2024 – During today’s City Council meeting, the City of Oklahoma City and the South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club recognized three City employees for their outstanding achievements this past year. City Council recognized these individuals for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to OKC residents.
Employee of the Year
Krysta Snyder has been a City employee for eight years and is a forensic scientist in the DNA laboratory of the Oklahoma City Police Department.
She conducts forensic DNA testing on criminal cases from burglaries to complex homicide cases, testifies in court as an expert witness to scientific principles, participates in rapid DNA screening of sexual assault cases, assists in the implementation of new scientific technologies and teaches non-scientific personnel about DNA technology. Snyder is one of the only employees in the lab with expertise in criminal paternity cases, playing a vital role in resolving cases and assisting high-profile cases when DNA identification is needed.
Partly due to Snyder’s work, OKCPD’s laboratory has become the first lab in Oklahoma to test every sexual assault case.
Firefighter of the Year
Maj. Lance Jones has been with the Oklahoma City Fire Department for 19 years and recently led the development of OKCFD’s Overdose Response Program.
In collaboration with Hope Community Foundation, Maj. Jones created a comprehensive program targeting the most vulnerable population affected by opioid substance use. The Overdose Response Program helps connect people with resources for treatment and long-term care.
Drawing upon his extensive training as an EMT Paramedic and RN, Maj. Jones implemented a proactive approach by equipping the Overdose Response Team with leave-behind overdose kits, which include critical tools such as Fentanyl test strips and Narcan for overdose treatment.
Police Officer of the Year
Master Sgt. Michael Rogers has served in the Oklahoma City Police Department for 22 years and supports patrol officers, investigators, command and executive staff with the tools and equipment necessary to address the community’s immediate needs.
He was instrumental in procuring supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering nearly 1,500 employees with safety equipment.
In his personal time, Master Sgt. Rogers participates in the Police Athletic League, which is an after-school mentor program that serves children in south Oklahoma City. He has implemented new elements to PAL such as chess, guitar lessons and mental health check-ups. Master Sgt. Rogers also fundraises and arranges resources for PAL.
Congratulations to these individuals. For those interested in careers with the City of OKC, visit okc.gov/careers or joinokcpd.com.
Free Press curates press releases from organizations and people we know to be reputable. If you would like to submit a well-written press release for us to publish on our site, please click the email icon at the top of this page.
