2015 Firefighter of the Year, Captain Mike Stratton
Captain Mike Stratton was hired by the Arcadia Fire Department in 1990. He became a paramedic in 1992, then became EMS Supply Coordinator and then a Fire Officer in 2004. Captain Stratton has also served as National Incident Management System coordinator, Reserve Fire Coordinator, Urban Search and Rescue Team, Investigation Team and Truck Captain. In addition, Captain Stratton is an active member of the Arcadia Firefighters Association. Chief Norwood cited Captain Stratton’s work ethic, sound operational skills, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to motivate co-workers and caring and compassionate personality as additional reasons Captain Stratton was selected as Firefighter of the Year.

2015 Police Officer of the Year, Sergeant Stephen Fallavollita

Twenty nine year police officer Sergeant Stephen Fallavollita was announced as the 2015 Police Officer of the Year. Sgt. Fallavollita was the longest service sergeant in the police department before he retired in 2015. Sgt. Fallavollita also served as a Sniper on the SWAT team, Training Coordinator and Field Training Sergeant. As Field Training Sergeant, he trained new officers for 5 to 7 months to make sure they were properly trained in the field. Sergeant Fallavollita was described as the consummate professional, a leader, mentor and great all around guy. He is also known to have everyone put away their cell phones when they are at the fire station sitting down for a meal so everyone can have a chance to talk face to face. Novel idea!