Diane Walkenshaw named Joplin Police Department Civilian Employee of the Year

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The recipient for the 2016 Civilian Employee of the Year is Diane Walkenshaw.

The following is part of the submission of the award nomination:

Diane has held the position of Investigative Assistant for almost 19 years. During her tenure she has seen 9 Bureau Commanders, countless Investigative Supervisors and a multitude of Investigators come and go. Having a tenured employee in such a pivotal role has been vital to not only the success of the Investigations Bureau but the department. When a crime victim calls the Bureau seeking assistance, they routinely contact Diane first. She portrays a very caring and professional image for the Department.

I have worked with Diane throughout my career. Regardless of the role I was in, she has always been helpful irrespective of the issue I brought forward. From my current position, I see her helping officers throughout the agency daily. Regardless of their current assignment; whether it be the newest of rookies completing PC paperwork, notifying the courts that a veteran officer will not be available, or agreeing to give a wakeup call to an officer who works nights in order to make certain he is ready and on time for a deposition. She routinely goes above and beyond to support not only Investigators, but Patrolmen as well.

I will close with what I see as the best part of Diane; the motherly role that lends itself very well to her assigned position. I have been a police officer for 22 years. Occasionally an officer’s wife will bake cookies for the shift. Diane takes it upon herself to bake her Detective’s favorite dessert on their birthday. This is done on her own time and with her own funds. A birthday card is always included. She has done this since before I started, some 16 years ago. Her contributions are definitely a large part of what makes the Joplin Police Department’s Investigations Bureau the best of the best in Southwest Missouri.