At its May 18 meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council accepted two awards, the Agency Award from the Western Region International Public Management Association for Human Resources, IPMA-HR, and the Impact Award from Vitalant.

The Town of Queen Creek was recognized by IPMA-HR for the initiatives related to staffing the new Queen Creek Police Department, a press release stated. In the 18 months following the town council’s approval to launch QCPD, the Human Resources Division led an effort to recruit and onboard 70+ officers and support staff, including the chief of police.

Not only did the hiring effort take place during a global pandemic, but also during a time when law enforcement agencies across the United States were facing hiring challenges. Additionally, QCPD exceeded the 30x30 initiative, a national effort to have 30% of the workforce comprised of the most qualified women by 2030. The 30x30 goal was met when the department launched on Jan. 11.

“Thanks to efforts of our entire HR division, under the leadership of Michele Brown, and our QCPD command staff for the outstanding job staffing our new police department with professional and compassionate individuals,” stated Queen Creek Vice Mayor Jeff Brown in the release. “This award, along with the award from Vitalant, continues to highlight the dedication to service that is embraced by this community.”

The Town received the Impact Award for hosting monthly blood drives with Vitalant. In 2021, there was a 65% increase in blood donations from 2020. The blood drives are successful due to collaboration and service. Various entities from the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, HOAs and schools help spread the word about the monthly blood drives while the community steps up to make the life-saving gift of blood donations.