The Police Officer and Professional Staff Member Awards have been a yearly tradition at the City of Bentonville Police Department for more than 25 years.  The Telecommunicator of the Year recognition was added as its own category in 2019. 

The Officer of the Year, Telecommunicator of the Year, and Professional Staff Member of the Year is solely voted on by their peers based on their level of professionalism, leadership, and the impact they see within the community. Selections can be based on a single outstanding achievement, or even a day-by-day example of conduct that brings great credit to our profession, city, and to our Police Department.

2025 Telecommunicator of the Year

Faith Guillermo

Faith Guillermo joined the Bentonville Police Department in August 2022. She quickly advanced to Telecommunicator III and earned her Communications Training Officer certification from APCO International on October 19, 2023. Faith has played a key role in training new telecommunicators and frequently stays late or comes in early to assist with staffing needs. Faith is known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to take on any task. In recognition of her dedication and training excellence, she was named the 2025 APCO-NENA Trainer of the Year for the State of Arkansas. Faith takes pride in supporting officers and fire/EMS personnel, and outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

2025 Professional Staff Member of the Year

Nelly "Gaby Polanco

Nelly “Gaby” Polanco has been with the City of Bentonville since 2017, serving in various roles before making the decision to join the Bentonville Police Department Records Unit in December 2020. In April 2025, Gaby transferred to the Training Unit, where she has quickly excelled in coordinating employee travel and training, managing documentation, and overseeing expenses with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail. She continues to assist the Records Unit with validations and is always willing to step in wherever help is needed.

This year, Gaby and Sergeant Brown successfully completed a state audit conducted by CLEST, verifying that all mandatory personnel and training records were accurate, complete, and in compliance. During her direct supervisor’s baby leave, Gaby independently managed all travel and training responsibilities, demonstrating a high level of reliability and professionalism. Outside of work, Gaby enjoys spending time with her husband and their three-year-old son.

2025 Police Officer of the Year

Sergeant Beau Sisson

Sergeant Beau Sisson has been with the Bentonville Police Department since January 2019 and is widely respected for his strong leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both the department and the community. He is consistently praised by his peers for his positive attitude, guidance, and ability to lead by example.

 Sergeant Sisson began his law enforcement career with the Russellville Police Department in 2014 before relocating to Northwest Arkansas, where he also served with the XNA Police Department. Throughout his career, he has consistently exemplified the department’s core values of Service, Professionalism, Accountability, Leadership, Integrity, and Courage. He takes pride in leading the officers on his shift, sharing his experience to support their success and ensure the highest standards of policing. When asked about his own accomplishments, Sergeant Sisson consistently recognizes the contributions of others, demonstrating humility and a leadership style grounded in teamwork and respect. Sergeant Sisson is currently assigned to Patrol’s evening shift. 

Prior Years- Officer of the Year

1995-John Green

1996-Jon Simpson

1997-Brian Batchelder

1998-Mark Jordan

1999-Robert Burkhart

2000-Andy Lee

2001-John Arnold

2002-Glynn Bertrand

2003-Tony Marveggio

2004-Tina Lorence

2005-Jim Johnson

2006-Tom Boyle

2007-Josh Woodhams

2008- Josh Carlson

2009-David Undiano

2010-Adam Howard

2011-Ray Shastid

2012-Joe Falcon

2013-Brent Farrer

2014-Andrew Oliver

2015-Chris Gravley

2016-James Boothman

2017-Andrew Burger

2018-Kerry Pippin

2019-Dustin Epperly

2020-Sayer Smith

2021-Nathan Smith

2022-Sean Harding

2023-Kodee Powell

2024-Kenny Wong-Many

Prior Years-Civilian of the Year

2000-Yvonne Walker

2001-Leslie Harp

2002-Stephanie Wooten

2003-Ronya Marveggio

2004-Sissy Rogers

2005-Lindsay Wilson

2006-Ann Walderbach

2007-Sue Thornton

2008-Ronya Marveggio

2009-Maria Perez

2010-Mary Rosebaugh

2011-Ashley "Dru" Blakely

2012-Sissy Rogers

2013-Kristin Barnes and Moriah Sartain (tie)

2014-Jeremy Crowder

2015-Mindy Corbett and Brandy Gaona (tie)

2016-William Boyd

2017-Stormy Mechura

2018-Tiffany Stegall

2019-Mandy Tedford

2020-Kristina Felton

2021-Rita Alcala Garcia and Kristin Barnes (tie)

2022-Tiffany Stegall

2023-Erin Emis

2024-Mallorie Cheader

Prior Years-Telecommunicator of the Year

2000-Yvonne Walker

2001-Leslie Harp

2002-Stephanie Wootten

2003-Ronya Marveggio

2007-Sue Thornton

2008-Ronya Marveggio

2009-Maria Perez

2010-Mary Rosebaugh

2011-Ashley Blakely

2013-Moriah Sartain

2015-Mindy Corbett, Brandy Mendoza

2017-Stormy Mechura

2019-Leslee Abbott

2020-Kimberly Coston

2021-Jenece Farmer

2022-Andy Rowan

2023-Kimberly Coston

2024-Kiersten Hayes