Citizens Energy Group honors Indianapolis police, firefighters and deputies at annual recognition luncheon

Citizens Energy Group hosted its annual Police, Fire and Deputy Sheriffs Community Recognition Luncheon in Indianapolis where city and county public safety personnel were honored for peer-nominated work in 2024.

Jeffrey Harrison, president and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, opened the program and said the company continues a long-standing tradition of recognizing first responders. "We are here today in commitment to a shared belief in serving the people of Indianapolis and creating a safe, strong, and welcoming community for generations to come," Harrison said.

The luncheon included remarks from Mayor Joe Hogsett and presentations from corporate and nonprofit sponsors. Hogsett thanked attendees and presenters and said, of the honorees, "we collectively, as a city, give you our thanks."

Organizers read nomination summaries for each award and presented trophies and sponsor gifts on stage. The program emphasized that award winners were peer nominated and that winners had not been notified in advance. Presenters noted examples of lifesaving actions, long-term community engagement, and departmental training and mentoring when explaining selections.

Major award recipients named at the event included: - David S. Moore Police Rookie of the Year: Officer Christopher Khalil (IMPD). The nomination read at the luncheon credited Khalil with extensive arrests and seizures in 2024, citing 87 outright arrests, 47 warrant arrests, and seizures that included hundreds of grams of controlled substances and 10 firearms. - Firefighter of the Year: Private Adam Goady (IFD), recognized for multiple on-scene rescues including searches in fully involved structures and life-saving care for injured civilians. - Reserve Officer of the Year: Marilyn Grinnell (IMPD reserve), honored for decades of volunteer work as a G.R.E.A.T. instructor in Indianapolis schools. - Adult Detention Center Deputy of the Year: Deputy Jordan Chilson (Marion County Sheriff's Office), cited for his role in locating and stopping an escape attempt in August 2024.

The program also recognized a wide set of district-level and specialty awards: district officers of the year across IMPD service districts; patrol, rescue and operations firefighters; civilian employees and administrators; and community-service awards. Presenters highlighted examples such as cross-agency training initiatives, long-term mentoring in the IndyPal program, officers' work reconnecting community members to services, and firefighters' international training missions that provided equipment and instruction overseas.

Speakers included department leaders and corporate sponsors who emphasized public service and community connection. Chief Christopher Bailey (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department), Chief Ernest Malone (Indianapolis Fire Department) and Marion County Chief Deputy Reggie Roni were recognized on stage; the program was emceed by Dustin Grove and Jenny Renovich of WTHR.

Organizers closed the program with a benediction and requests for award winners to gather for photographs. Citizens Energy Group and other sponsors were repeatedly thanked for underwriting the event and awards.

The luncheon served primarily as ceremonial recognition rather than a forum for policy or operational debate; no formal votes, motions, or policy decisions were made during the program.