February 11, 2026 CAP Award Ceremony

Описание: DENVER – Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – Today, the nonprofit organization Citizens Appreciate Police (CAP) recognized two Denver Police officers who demonstrated extraordinary kindness and compassion to those in our community. Formed in 1978 by Mayor Bill McNichols and District Attorney Dale Tooley, CAP is a nonprofit organization which recognizes Denver Police officers who serve the public above the regular call of duty. Since its inception, more than 550 officers have received the CAP award and pin, which is the only civilian award worn on the officers’ uniforms.


“It’s vital for us to recognize the compassion and professionalism of Denver police officers, especially these amazing award recipients we honored today,” CAP Board Co-President Rob Collins said. “The CAP Board remains dedicated to sharing these stories with our community, which are just a few of the many untold stories of compassion and professionalism shown everyday by Denver Police Officers.”

“It comes as no surprise that members of the Denver Police Department go out of their way to help people in our community. These are just two great examples of the work our officers do on a daily basis,” said Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas. “I also want thank the CAP Board for recognizing and honoring these deserving officers for their exemplary work.”



Today’s CAP Award honorees are Officer Zachary Marcelis and Officer William Danos.



Officer Zachary Marcelis



On October 6, 2025, at approximately 3:08 p.m., Officer Zachary Marcelis responded to a theft call near the intersection of East 20th Avenue and North Clarkson Street.



Officer Marcelis contacted the victim, Michael, at this location. Michael, an amputee who uses his wheelchair to get around, informed Officer Marcelis that he told two people that they could borrow his wheelchair, but they took his wheelchair and did not return it. This concerned Michael since it was his only means of getting around due to missing one of his legs.



Officer Marcelis called for the STAR van first so that he could get some resources for finding a place to stay since he was living on the streets. Officer Marcelis then worked to find the stolen wheelchair - working quickly to go find the people who took his wheelchair before they made it too far away.



Officer Marcelis immediately began checking the areas of where groups of people typically gather, and soon observed the matching subjects and matching wheelchair. He contacted the parties who stated that they were told to take his wheelchair to this location. Officer Marcelis found that hard to believe and disheartening that these people would leave Michael without his wheelchair and take advantage of him.



Officer Marcelis then took the wheelchair and secured it in his patrol vehicle. Since Michael did not want to pursue changes, the subjects were released.



Officer Marcelis brought Michael's wheelchair back to him, who was very appreciative and thankful that his wheelchair had been found and returned. Thanks to Officer Marcelis, Michael had his wheelchair back, plus resources from STAR to help assist him in finding some type of shelter since the colder months are coming.





Officer William Danos



On October 15, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Officer William Danos responded to the 700 block of East Speer Boulevard. A supervisor at the establishment requested the removal of a former employee who was demanding her final paycheck. Upon contacting the woman, Officer Danos learned she was distraught and desperate to buy baby formula for her infant. Demonstrating empathy and initiative, Officer Danos invited her to come with him to a nearby store, where he purchased $40 worth of baby formula and gave it to the woman.



This act of generosity and kindness reflects the heart and humanity that Officers Danos brings to the department. His willingness to assist a mother and child in need, embodies the spirit of community policing.