June 3, 2009 > Police Officer of the Year 2008 Police Officer of the Year 2008 By Meenu Guptu Union City honored Sergeant Gloria Lopez-Vaughan for her recognition by the Newark Optimist Club as the 2008 Union City Police Department's Officer of the Year Lopez-Vaughan joined Union City Police Department as a police officer on Dec 10, 1990, was promoted to Corporal on Nov 14, 2004 and to Sergeant on Feb 6, 2006. She has served the City's residents in a variety of roles including SWAT officer, Field Training Officer, Gang Task Force Detective, Trauma Support Team Member and Firearms Unit Program Manager. She was assigned to supervise the Community Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Unit in Jan 2008. Her ability to reconcile the interests of diverse/opposing groups to achieve community and departmental goals was immediately recognized. Lopez-Vaughan is dedicated to her profession and to the Police Department. She has received many commendations for exemplary service and exceptional teamwork during her career with the City. Union City Police Officers' Association selected her as the 2008 Officer of the Year to recognize her strong work ethic, leadership, ability, tenacity, positive attitude and commitment to the department and community. The Council expressed its gratitude for her service to the City and congratulated her. "This recognition really means a lot to me especially because it comes from the members of the Union City Police Officers' Association. I'm truly honored to receive this award," said Lopez-Vaughan as she thanked her husband and colleagues for their support.