The Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) honored former Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director John Camper with the CACP Charles “Pat” Steele Award at the annual conference banquet in Estes Park on June 6, 2023.
The award ceremony honors police officers and chiefs for various efforts and sacrifices they have made throughout the year that align with the association's high standards.
“Former CBI director John Camper exemplifies what it means to be a leader in law enforcement, so it is no surprise that his outstanding accomplishments are being recognized through this award, as he constantly goes above and beyond for the community,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer.
The Steele Award represents long-term professional and ethical contributions to law enforcement and the state. Camper was honored for efforts in more than 40 years in law enforcement in Colorado, including a 29-year career with Lakewood Police Department, eight years as police chief for the Grand Junction Police Department and five years as director of the CBI.
Along with his many contributions as a member of multiple municipal law enforcement agencies, Camper’s impact on the CBI will be felt for many years to come. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Bureau’s first-ever Peer Support program as well as comprehensive legislation to add more than 100 new positions to the CBI in a three-year period.
Camper served as CACP president in 2018, the same year he joined CBI. He served as CBI director until early 2023.
Camper was one of two CACP members presented with the distinguished award this spring.
The other Steele award was given to former Vail Police Chief Dwight Henninger.
The award was named after Charles Steele, who served the city of Loveland for 30 years, 29 of those years as police chief. Former CBI Director Ron Sloan was also a recipient of the Steele award.
To read more about the award, visit the CACP website at colochiefs.org
