Denver police presented commendations to DU Campus Safety Sgt. Steve Banet and three other citizens Monday for extraordinary service in support of police.
“To honor citizens who have supported what we do is a great honor,” said Chief Gerald Whitman at the award ceremony at police headquarters in downtown Denver. “The Denver police department would not be so successful without the support of the community, and this is a good example of that.”
Banet’s commendation was for his “keen attention to duty” in preventing a convicted sex offender from attempting to enter the women’s locker room in the Ritchie Center. Banet’s recognition skills on the University’s surveillance system helped Denver police “get a very dangerous party off the street,” said Kris Kroncke, District 3 police commander.
The individual, who police identified as Ronald R. McClain, has a record “for sexual assault, robbery and theft from motor vehicles.”
On March 25 he pleaded guilty to being a habitual criminal and assault on an at-risk adult and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Witnessing the commendation ceremony were Banet’s wife, Diane; members of the DU campus safety department; and Craig Woody, vice chancellor for business and financial affairs.
“Steve epitomizes what all of these guys are committed to,” Woody said. “And that’s safety on campus. We’re proud of him, proud of what the rest of the guys do.”
Other commendations Monday went to: Jason Ruedy for helping subdue a man who was attacking and trying to disarm a police offer; and Bobby Bardon and Angela Teague, who followed suspects in a liquor store robbery and aided police in locating them.