June 6, 2007 - Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Diana Duran the March Civilian Employee of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Ms. Duran has been with the department since April 2001.

Chief Owen said that Ms. Duran is currently assigned to the Juvenile Unit. To ensure that the unit runs efficiently, Ms. Duran has become very knowledgeable of the juvenile system, juvenile law, Knoxville Police Department General Orders and Policies, juvenile resources, and our State Courts. Her knowledge of how the unit is organized and the resources we can provide to our clients make her a valuable asset to the Knoxville Police Department as a whole.

Since joining KPD, Ms. Duran has attended the Citizen's Police Academy, Leadership PLENTY for the Hispanic Community, Child Proactive Safety Seat Training, and she assists every year with the Domestic Violence Unit's Family Fall Festival.

Chief Owen said, "Ms. Duran is also fluent in the Spanish language and is often utilized in assisting with translation for our investigators, officers, the courts, and transcription of interview tapes. On many occasions she routinely assists the Knoxville City Court with translation without any compensation for her services."

Mayor Haslam said, "There's no doubt that Ms. Duran is a valuable asset to the Knoxville Police Department. We commend her for her commitment to the citizens we serve."

Ms. Duran will receive a signed certificate from the mayor and chief along with a free dinner from the Bayou Bay Seafood House.