MONTE Vista Det. Zeke Sisneros was among 19 law enforcement officers nationwide who was awarded the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing during a ceremony held this week in Washington, D.C.
“It was an investigation into a drug deal gone bad that ended in a firefight that led Det. Sisneros to one of Monte Vista’s most notorious drug dealers,” the DOJ said in recognizing Sisneros’ investigative work.
He was recognized in the category of criminal investigations by a police agency serving fewer than 50,000 residents. “Detective Sisneros’ continued dedication to pursue criminals who deal in guns and drugs is making an immeasurable difference in the safety of his community,” the DOJ said in its presentation remarks.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland made the award presentations. Monte Vista Police Chief George Dingfelder accompanied Sisneros to the ceremony at the DOJ.
“The Monte Vista Police Department is extremely proud of Detective Sisneros and his continued effort to remove drugs from the streets of our community. We will continue to pursue those who deal the poison that is affecting so many of our citizens and bring them to justice,” Dingfelder said.
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing recognizes individual state, local, or tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers, deputies and troopers for exceptional efforts in effective policing. Eligible candidates must be in a non-supervisory position at the time the activities/programs/initiatives for which they are being nominated took place.
Detective Sisneros was recognized for his work in drug and weapons investigations, his partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and other federal agencies; and his continued cooperation and work with federal law enforcement partners. The case Sisneros was recognized for stretched from 2020 and concluded in 2022, Dingfelder said.