The South Bend Police Department announces its 2016 recognition awards for sworn officers and civilians with the police department. Every day, officers and civilians work together to protect lives and property, reduce crime and enhance police-community relationships. More than 60 officers and civilians are recognized for their bravery, lifesaving skills, community involvement and overall performance.
2016 Officer of the Year: Officer Tyler Donlon
2016 Investigator of the Year: Sergeant Kelly Waite
Chief’s Award of Valor is awarded to a sworn officer for an outstanding act of bravery or heroism through selflessness, personal courage and devotion to duty. The 2016 recipient is: Officer Andrew Witt.
Officer Witt responded to a shooting on February 28, 2016 and found a 17 year old girl with a gunshot wound. Despite unknown present danger or shooter proximity, he carried her two blocks to safety and stayed with her to keep her safe while other officers searched the area.
Chief’s Award of Merit awarded to any sworn officer or civilian working with the police department. It recognizes work done to help increase department efficiency through cost savings or improve the overall operation of a department by going far beyond the required job duties. This year’s recipients are:
Officer Devon Gilbert
Civilian – Ken Glowacki
Civilian – Vicki Grauel
Department Commendation is an award granted to any sworn officer or civilian with the police department. Those awarded have shown an outstanding acts of achievement which brings positive and great credit to the department as a whole. This year’s recipients are:
Pfc. John Cox
Pfc. Nathan Gates
Pfc. Corey Calvert (x2)
Pfc. John Gast
Off. Briar Johnston
Pfc. Jarveair Bourn
Pfc. Andrew Jackson
Pfc. Reid Spitaels
Pfc. Christopher Camparone
Pfc. John Comeau
Pfc. Matt Napolitan
Sgt. Neil Graber
Pfc. Calon Naragon
Pfc. Jack Stilp
Pfc. Jeff Chamberlain
Pfc. Bert Wise
Commanders Commendations. This year’s recipients are:
Pfc. Phil Herman
Pfc. Maranda Baker
Pfc. Ryan Hiipakka
Pfc. Anthony Dawson
Pfc. Matt Napolitan
Sgt. Jason Biggs
Unit Meritorious Performance Award is awarded to sworn officers and civilian members of a unit who exhibited exceptional professional skill and conduct. This year’s recipients are:
Crime Scene Technicians/officers:
Joe Carey
Eric Mentz
Brandon Martin
Stephanie Mead
Aaron Brick
Paul Daley
Ryan Hiipikka
Ron Kaszas
Russ Lupica
Nick Pogotis
Jeremy Siade
Michael Stuk
David Trout
Matt Weller
Ron Wilson
Civilian Recipients:
Clerk Terminal Operators:
Dawn Stout
Victoria Dudeck
Adam Harman
Lauren Morgan
Madonna Fleenor
Marilyn Witt
Patricia Reynolds
Stephanie Santa
Alarm Coordinator:
Jo Ann Loughlin
Court Liaison:
Cheryl Milliken
The Lifesaving Award is awarded to any sworn officer or civilian for a successful effort in saving a human life. Police are generally first to any scene and all officers and civilians are trained in the used of Automated External Defibrillators, CPR, and First Aid. Those who receive this award have shown exceptional courage and learned measures in order to save lives. This year’s recipients are:
Pfc. Mollie O’Blenis
Pfc. Jeff Ransberger
Pfc. Andrew Jackson
Pfc. Joseph Mitchell
Pfc. John Comeau
Pfc. Jarveair Bourn
Pfc. Aaron Knepper
Pfc. David Trout
Pfc. Joe Stitsworth
Pfc. Ernesto Ramirez
The Pat DeRue Nemeth Award is awarded to any sworn officer, civilian or member of the South Bend Community. Recipients demonstrate the caring, kind, compassionate and humanitarian qualities that Pat DeRue Nemeth has provided to the police department. This year’s recipient is: Pfc. Greg Howard.
The Dortha Paxton Award is awarded specifically to civilian employees of the South Bend Police Department. Recipients are recognized for their exceptional professional skill in the tradition and dedication of long-time civilian employee Dortha Paxton. This year’s recipient is: Dawn Ebersole.
Submitted by:
Scott Ruszkowski
Chief of Police