Officer honored as tops at mid-size VA facility
Paul Woodland
CALN — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that Officer Paul Woodland with the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center Police Department (VAPD) is VA Police Officer of the Year of a medium-sized VA medical center.
“Each of you and your teams are doing an outstanding job every day protecting our Veterans, staff and visitors,” said Frederick Jackson, Director of VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement in a message to VA Police Chiefs. “Your hard work, determination and dedication in the face of daily challenges does not go unnoticed.”
Woodland has been a patrol officer at the Coatesville VA Medical Center since 2008. This year, he responded to more calls for service than any other Coatesville VAPD officer.
Woodland has helped lead a major campus-wide security camera upgrade project; used social media to obtain evidence in a difficult-to-solve theft investigation; developed, maintains and effectively uses an extensive investigative network to assist with complex cases; and developed and presented trainings aimed at helping VA staff recognize and prevent criminal activity.
“Paul is an excellent police officer who goes above and beyond to provide Veterans with a safe, secure environment for rehabilitation and healing,” said Coatesville VAPD Chief Gerald Bonmer, “He is well-respected by VA staff, leadership and Veterans for his professionalism, and expertise. The work Paul does is consistent with the work performed by the entire VA Police Service”
Officer Woodland will receive his award at the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement Award Dinner on May 24 in Little Rock, Arkansas alongside 12 other VA Police Officers in categories of Chief of the Year, Supervisory Officer of the Year, Lead Officer of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and Administrative Support of the Year. There are approximately 3,700 VA Police Officers nationwide.
Woodland holds a Master’s degree in the Administration of Justice, and resides in Newark, Del. with his wife and three children.
