EVESHAM, N.J. — Detective Sierra Gates has been named Evesham Township Police Department’s Officer of the Month for February 2025 after leading the successful recovery of a missing and endangered juvenile, officials announced Friday.
Key Points
- Detective Sierra Gates named Officer of the Month for February 2025 by Evesham Township Police.
- Initiated and led successful search for missing juvenile during high call volume period.
- Located endangered individual using phone tracking and investigative coordination.
On February 14, while serving as the department’s Duty Detective, Gates initiated an immediate investigation after a parent reported their child missing. Recognizing that patrol officers were managing a high volume of calls, Gates acted swiftly to begin the search without delay.
She gathered critical information, briefed supervisory staff, and developed a strategy to locate the juvenile. Gates remained on the case through the night, ultimately tracking the child’s last known phone activity, which led her to a local motel where the juvenile was found safely.
The department praised Gates for her initiative, teamwork, and leadership. Her decision to step in while patrol resources were strained demonstrated the importance of interdepartmental collaboration.
“Her actions not only reflect exceptional police work but also serve as an example of the dedication and collaboration to the department and our community,” the department stated in its recognition.
Detective Gates’ work is credited with preventing potential harm and ensuring the juvenile’s safe return.
