Four CSPD officers honored with Bill Daniels ‘True Blue’ Award

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) - Four Colorado Springs Police officers were honored with the Bill Daniels 'True Blue Award' for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Bill Daniels, a naval pilot fighter in World War II and Korea holds a special place in his heart for those who serve and go beyond their expected duties. Thursday, four Colorado Springs officers were presented with the award for their outstanding service.

"These gentlemen are being honored for doing something that really wasn't part of their job description, " said Mayor John Suthers.

The Daniels fund honors deserving officers in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming for their commitment to serve their communities even when off the clock.

"We've been giving the True Blue award since 2016, we've given it to 34 different officers over the last few years and it acknowledges our officers who go above and beyond the call of duty-- it is a privilege and honor to recognize them and champion them," said Hanna Skandera, CEO of the Daniels Fund.

The four honorees include officers Michael Stenstrom, Thomas Pitchford, Robert Gillis, and Marcus Tubbs.

The officers each shared extreme acts of kindness.

Officer Tubbs was investigating the scene of an infant's death in February 2021. Though he can't share details, he says the nine-year-old brother of the infant who died was devasted when he learned about his sibling's death. At the time of his sibling's death, the nine-year-old boy was out of town and when he came back, blamed himself for not being there to take care of the infant.

A couple of days later, Tubbs was informed about the family's status and the little boy's devastation. To bring some type of condolence, Tubbs went back to the family's home with gifts for the young boy. This act of kindness mirrors the same kindness all three other officers have shown to the community.

" It was awesome to see the little boy's smile when I brought him the gifts -- every CSPD officer would do the same thing I did, I do not think I am out of the ordinary here," Tubbs said.

Each of these officers shared the same sentiment: to do good even in trying times.

The Colorado Springs Police department was also awarded a $3,000 check that will go toward their Cadet Program to help develop young leaders in the community. For more on their Cadet Program click here.