Today, Randall County District Attorney James Farren recognized the Potter and Randall Counties Special Crimes Unit with the “Above and Beyond” Award. The award, which the RCDA’s Office presents yearly, is given in recognition of the work of a law enforcement officer exhibiting extra effort, above and beyond the call of duty.
This year, DA Farren and his staff elected to recognize the Potter and Randall Counties Special Crimes Unit for “over 30 years of work that is consistently above and beyond.” Farren acknowledged the successful history of the group and named many of the Unit’s past directors and members during his news conference at the Amarillo Police Department. He thanked both past and present members of the unit for providing high quality investigation of cases that enables successful prosecution.
DA Farren said that it was a difficult choice for the award again this year, as many officers within his jurisdiction provided dedicated service, but they felt it was an appropriate time to recognize the entire SCU for their continued hard work and dedication.
The multi-agency unit was formed in 1981, and originally included investigators from the APD and both Potter and Randall County deputies. Today’s SCU investigates homicides, suspicious deaths, in-custody deaths, fire deaths, child deaths, and officer involved shootings.
Chief Robert Taylor cited the unit as an example of the teamwork the department promotes. APD Lt. Erick Bohannon, currently the SCU Director, accepted the plaque on behalf of both current and past members of the unit. Past SCU Directors include 47th District Attorney’s Office Investigator (later Potter County Sheriff) Jimmy Don Boydston, followed by APD lieutenants William “Bill” Kral, Andrew Dieterman, Jimmy Stevens, Edward Smith, and Gary Trupe.
PHOTOS: Award plaque and wall outside offices of the SCU. Photos by APD/CPU.
