The Phoenix Police Reserve: A Centennial of Service

A MODEL FOR OTHER
POLICE AGENCIES
The reserve division remains one of the major organizational
divisions within the police department, and it has been
repeatedly and nationally recognized as one of the leading
reserve police organizations in the country.
In April 2005, six reserve police officers were presented with
the President’s Call to Service Award, which was created
to confer presidential recognition upon individuals who
demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service
and civic engagement. The award was established during
the Administration of President George H.W. Bush by the
President’s Council on Service and Civil Participation, and it
was supported by the Points of Light Foundation.
In recent years, the reserve division has been contacted by
many police and sheriff’s departments around Arizona and
the nation. These agencies have requested information about
policies and procedures, and operations manuals, to use as a
guide and foundation for their reserve police organizations.
CONNECTED
TO HISTORY
Throughout the years, the Phoenix Police Reserve has
remembered its rich history. Each year, the outstanding
police academy graduate and first-year reserve police officer
is selected to receive the Alex Mertens Award. This annual
award is named in memory of Captain Alex Mertens #R12,
who served in the Phoenix Police Reserve from 1952 through
1969, and who was primarily responsible for the recruitment
and training of reserve police officers.
Also, each year the command staff of the Phoenix Police
Reserve presents the prestigious Sam Leabo Award, which is
awarded annually to the career officer or officers who have
made outstanding contributions to support and advance
the reserve division. This award is named in memory of
Chief Sam Leabo #R22.
THE PHOENIX POLICE RESERVE | A CENTENNIAL OF SERVICE 61