The Dover Police Department is proud to announce that Corporal Heather Seibert has been named 2025 Officer of the Year, becoming the first female officer in the department’s 101-year history to receive the honor.
In addition, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith has been named 2025 Civilian of the Year, marking the first time in department history that both Officer and Civilian of the Year awards have been earned by women in the same year.
These recognitions reflect not only a historic milestone, but the measurable impact both individuals have made through their work in the community.
Corporal Heather Seibert – Officer of the Year
For more than a century, the Dover Police Department has recognized its top officer each year. In 2025, that distinction belongs to Corporal Heather Seibert—an officer whose work ethic, investigative ability, and commitment to follow-through have set her apart.
Since joining the department in 2019, Seibert has become known among her peers as “the officer with the answers,” a reputation built on her attention to detail, willingness to take on any task, and refusal to leave cases unresolved.
While serving as both a patrol officer and primary shift investigator, Seibert handled an exceptionally high workload in the 2nd quarter of 2025—responding to approximately 400 calls for service, completing more than 80 reports, and investigating over a dozen motor vehicle collisions in a single quarter.
Her casework during that time highlights the depth of her impact:
April 7, 2025 – Shots Fired Investigation:
Corporal Seibert responded to a 911 call reporting a vehicle struck by gunfire. She identified a bullet strike to the vehicle and during the investigation, was able to connect a second victim reporting a similar incident. Her ability to quickly gather intelligence and coordinate with the Criminal Investigations Unit led to the detention of a suspect and recovery of two firearms.
April 21, 2025 – Hit-and-Run Motor Vehicle Accident with Injuries:
Corporal Seibert responded to a hit-and-run accident that left two pedestrians injured. After obtaining a suspect and vehicle description from a witness, Corporal Seibert canvassed the area in search of video and identified the suspect vehicle through surveillance footage, leading to an arrest and felony charges.
May 1, 2025 – Pedestrian Injury Investigation:
Corporal Seibert once again responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian with severe injuries. Despite difficulties getting information from the involved parties, including the victim, Corporal Seibert canvassed the neighborhood searching for witnesses and home video surveillance to aid her investigation. Corporal Seibert’s efforts led to the discovery of crucial evidence that resulted in the arrest of the suspect involved in this case.
May 25, 2025 – Child Abuse Investigation:
On May 25, 2025, Corporal Seibert responded to a reported child abuse case after a juvenile fled to a neighbor’s home. Seibert conducted a thorough and compassionate investigation, documenting the child’s injuries and identifying the mother as the suspect. After consulting with investigators and the Deputy Attorney General, she placed the suspect into custody on child abuse charges and ensured the child was removed from the home and placed in a safe environment.
Corporal Seibert’s accomplishments in the 2nd Quarter of 2025 led to her recognition as the Officer of the 2nd Quarter and ultimately the 2025 Officer of the Year. Corporal Seibert now serves as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit after being selected in January of 2026.
Following this historic recognition, we asked Corporal Seibert to reflect on her career thus far, her work, and the impact of being named Officer of the Year:
What first drew you to a career in law enforcement, and why did you choose the Dover Police Department?
“I’ve been watching crime TV shows and helping my dad catch thieves in his convenience store since a young age. I’ve always loved righting wrongs and standing up for the little guy. Choosing Dover PD was really just luck. I happened to be moving to the area when I was starting my career and it was really the only department I ever looked at and never looked back.
Is there a case or incident that you handled that was especially meaningful or impactful for you?
“It wasn’t one moment as much as a reaffirmation of why the work I do is important. In a domestic violence case, I later saw the victim again months later. She told me that our interaction was the push she needed to leave the relationship and that she and her kids were now thriving. We don’t usually get to see the positive outcomes, so it was great to see that my work contributed to helping a family long term.”
What does serving the Dover community mean to you on a day-to-day basis?
“Serving the community looks different every day, but for me it means showing up and doing the job the right way regardless of the circumstances.”
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, either within the department or personally?
“My husband and mom have been my biggest personal supporters. Professionally, Lt. Jeffrey Gott and Sgt. Nathanial Warren were instrumental early on—they helped shape me as an officer and pushed me to stay motivated and keep working toward my goals, even during difficult times.”
Your nomination letter highlights your attention to detail and follow-up on cases others might consider closed—what drives that extra effort in your work?
“I honestly just love to know the answer to the puzzle and make sure there are no loose ends. Those details can make or break a case and shed a lot of light on the big picture.”
What advice would you give to someone—especially young women—considering a career in law enforcement?
“Take the time to fully understand what this career demands. Law enforcement isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle that affects every part of your life. If it’s something you truly want, start preparing now—both physically and mentally. Build resilience, discipline, and confidence. And don’t be discouraged by challenges or expectations—there is absolutely a place for you in this field.”
You are the first female officer in the department’s 101-year history to receive this honor—what does that milestone mean to you personally, and what message do you hope it sends to others?
“I’m honored to represent the women in law enforcement who contribute to this profession every day. Our academy motto was ‘exceed the standard, raise the bar,’ and I hope this shows that I’m just the first of many and encourages others to continue raising that bar.”
When you’re not on duty, what do you enjoy doing to unwind and recharge?
“My favorite way to recharge is to travel and see the world. But I can’t do that every weekend, so I usually hit a yoga class and watch tv with a cup of tea and a bowl of ice cream.
Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith – Civilian of the Year
In just over a year with the Dover Police Department, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith has established herself as a highly productive, dependable, and compassionate member of the agency—earning Civilian of the Year through both the volume of her work and the impact of her cases. In a short time, ACO Smith has taken on a workload and level of responsibility that reflects both trust from the department and a strong commitment to the role.
During the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, ACO Smith responded to 114 complaints, serving as the primary officer on 103 of those calls. In that time, she issued multiple warnings and enforcement actions, conducted investigations resulting in an arrest, and secured a warrant involving seven animal-related charges.
ACO Smith’s accomplishments in the 4th Quarter of 2025 led to her recognition as the Civilian of the 4th Quarter and ultimately the 2025 Civilian of the Year.
ACO Smith’s work routinely places her in difficult and often disturbing environments—but also in a position to make immediate, visible change.
On November 25, 2025, ACO Smith responded to an apartment on South New Street for a reported animal neglect complaint. Inside, she discovered three dogs and four cats in severely malnourished condition, with visible ribs and hips, living in an apartment covered in urine and feces. While working to obtain a search and seizure warrant, the owner fled with one of the dogs. Despite this, ACO Smith coordinated with the Office of Animal Welfare and City Code Enforcement—largely on her own—to rescue six animals and assist in condemning the residence, removing them from dangerous conditions.
On December 23, 2025, ACO Smith responded to a report of a deceased dog inside a residence on North Kirkwood Street. Her investigation determined the animal had died from starvation after being confined in a crate filled with waste. She secured charges against the responsible individual and, in the same case, convinced the owner to surrender a second dog—personally transporting it to Brandywine Valley SPCA to give it a chance at a better life in a new home.
Beyond her primary responsibilities, ACO Smith demonstrated initiative by stepping in to assist the department’s Parking Enforcement Unit during a staffing shortage. She voluntarily adjusted her schedule—often coming in early—to support major community events, including parades and city functions.
Despite the intensity of the work, ACO Smith approaches the role with a straightforward mindset rooted in both enforcement and education:
“I have always had a love for animals, and this is a great position to educate owners and the public on the proper laws on owning animals.”
She emphasizes a balanced approach in the field:
“I evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis and determine if education or law enforcement is appropriate.”
For ACO Smith, the reward comes from the outcome, even in the most difficult cases:
“I enjoy the variety of work that I do daily, and even the challenging moments can be rewarding when the animal is in a safe place.”
She described the recognition as both humbling and motivating:
“It’s an honor and a shock to be recognized by my peers in such a high regard, and I hope to maintain the expectations of such an award.”
Her work reflects a commitment not only to enforcing animal welfare laws, but to improving conditions for both animals and the community as a whole—often in situations where immediate action makes all the difference.
The recognition of Corporal Seibert and ACO Smith marks a defining moment in the Dover Police Department’s 101-year history. While their roles differ, both have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, accountability, and performing the job with integrity and compassion.
Their work reflects the core values of the department and highlights the impact dedicated professionals can have across every aspect of public safety. Together, their work represents the standard of service the Dover Police Department strives to deliver every day.
Chief Thomas Johnson, Jr. praised both honorees, stating: “Caitlyn and Heather are highly professional, get-things-done members of our organization. In each situation they address, their empathy and compassion is clearly visible while they hold individuals accountable for their behavior. They serve the interests of justice as they champion the needs of our victims, and society as a whole. We have 150 or so stellar employees in the Dover Police Department. Dozens were nominated for their outstanding performance in 2025. ACO Smith and Corporal Seibert clearly distinguished themselves above all others and earned this annual recognition through quiet excellence. The Dover PD is happy to announce that excellence loudly and proudly. Congratulations to both of them.”
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