BART PD honors 20 individuals for their dedication to system safety

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, members of the BART Police Department and their families gathered at BART PD Headquarters for the 13th Annual BART PD Awards Ceremony, a celebration of the officers, professional staff, civilians, and good Samaritans who went above and beyond to keep the system safe over the past year. 

The annual event offers a moment to reflect on the department’s achievements and the progress made across the BART system. There is much to recognize in 2025; as of October, overall crime is down 45% year over year, with violent crime declining by 32% and property crime dropping 47%. 

These improvements highlight the continued success of BART’s Safe and Clean Plan, which emphasizes delivering a secure, welcoming experience from departure to arrival, and the steadfast dedication of BART PD officers and civilian staff. 

“We’ve made a huge advancement in safety this year,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin in his opening remarks. “Let’s continue to build on this progress in the new year.” 

During the ceremony, Chief Franklin presented nine awards to twenty honorees. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: 

Good Samaritan Award 

BART Station Agent Shalana Penyweit; Damon Bonadie and Raqheali Bonadie 

Community Service Award 

Analyst Jennifer Bowman

Civilian of the Year 

Supervisor Jason DeVera 

Excellence in Service Award 

Community Service Officer Justin Sap, Officer Miguel Cortez-Valdez 

Exceptional Case Award 

Officer Tyler Espino, Officer Rafael Arreola, Officer Todd Hubbard, Officer Michael McPeak, Community Service Officer Roland Laureta, Detective Teaundre Matthews, Sergeant Erik Rose 

Life-Saving Award 

Officer Garrett Dibble, Officer Brandan Trammell 

Dispatcher of the Year 

Dispatcher Alicia Hernandez 

Officer of the Year 

Officer Brandan Trammell 

Chief’s Award 

Manager Matthew Cromer