CEDAR CITY — Two Cedar City Police Department officers were recently recognized by the NAACP for their leadership skills and community outreach efforts.
Sgt. Justin Ludlow and Assistant Chief Jimmy Roden were among the approximately 20 First Responder Award recipients from around the state who were honored in Salt Lake City on Monday at the NAACP Salt Lake Branch’s 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration luncheon.
According to the organization’s website, the First Responder Awards have been given out annually since 2017 to police, fire and EMS personnel for outstanding community service, actions of valor on or off duty, such as saving a life or helping those in need, or for exemplary law enforcement service.
Ludlow and Roden were each nominated for the distinguished recognition by Cedar City Police Chief Darin Adams.
“I’m thankful for my opportunities to serve in the community, which is what led to me receiving this award,” Ludlow said of the honor.
Following are Ludlow’s and Roden’s commendation profiles, which were shared as part of the event’s official program:
Justin Ludlow
Sgt. Ludlow is a remarkable leader and supervisor. He currently leads the public affairs division of the police department. He is engaged in community outreach and interacts with several diverse segments of the city. He is responsible for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program and has worked tirelessly this past year enhancing school safety and preparing the SROs for success. He has also met consistently with school district officials to strengthen the partnership with law enforcement.
Ludlow oversees the department’s Shop with a Cop program, which helps more than 100 children annually to receive holiday assistance and gifts they would otherwise not receive. Sgt. Ludlow oversees the civilian volunteer group, the VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service). Through his leadership, several community events occur successfully and safely with the support of the volunteers, Ludlow has made a positive impact on the community with the consistent work that he performs. In addition, he coaches youth sports in the community and positively impacts countless young women and men. His example of selfless service is outstanding!
Jimmy Roden
Roden was recently promoted to the role of assistant chief. Prior to his promotion, he served as the operations lieutenant for the Cedar City Police Department. His oversight included investigations, public affairs, administration, animal control, animal shelter, Office of Professional Standards, and recruitment and hiring.
Roden has done remarkable work in these areas, with oversight and support of some challenging cases with the Investigations division. Roden has worked hard to improve practices and operations resulting in a more efficient and effective police department. He sacrifices for those under his command and is a true servant leader, who inspires and motivates those under his command.
In addition to his remarkable work ethic and leadership skills, Roden serves diligently in his local church and community. He epitomizes what it means to be a public servant with the highest ethical standards and integrity that a community deserves from their police administration. He is an example to all of how to lead, guide, and serve. Roden is also a military veteran with multiple deployments.
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