The Noblesville Police Dept. recognized the work of some of its officers during its annual awards ceremony on Feb. 27 in the council chambers of City Hall. In attendance for the event were Mayor John Ditslear, award recipients, families, friends, members of the community, government officials and officers of the police department. Chief of Police Kevin Jowitt presented the following awards:
Lifesaving Award: This award is given to a department member “who performs a physical act which saves the life of another person while there is no danger to the officer’s life.”
In September 2012, Sgt. Andrew Reiss responded to a traffic accident where the driver was possibly suffering from a heart attack. Reiss arrived on the scene and immediately deployed his department-issued defibrillator on the victim. Medic personnel on the scene indicated that Reiss’ quick response and efforts certainly increased the chance of the victim’s survival from the incident.
Certificates of Commendation: This commendation is given to department members “who perform an act that distinguishes themselves by exceptional quality service to the department, the community or the member personally, for performance of duty or duties above that which is normally expected.”
In June 2012, officers responded to the scene of a fire in the Deer Chase apartments. Officers are credited with exceptional quality service during this incident as a result of their efforts in managing onlookers and vehicular traffic under adverse conditions. Those honored were Sgt. Tony Vasbinder, Sgt. Tim Firks, Master Ptl. Brice Swart, Master Ptl. Todd Borders, Master Ptl. Robert Saxon, First Class Ptl. Don Heeg and Fitst Class Ptl. Michael Steffen.
In February 2012, Sgt. Rich Hubbard took part in the arrest of a suspect alleged to have committed a robbery in the Noblesville area. During the arrest process, Hubbard was assigned to watch the outside of the home and was responsible for ensuring the safety of the remainder of the arrest team. While performing these duties, Hubbard inadvertently stepped on uneven ground and severely injured his foot. Though injured with a broken foot, he demonstrated exceptional quality service by maintaining his assigned responsibilities until the suspect was safely taken into custody.
In August, Reiss was returning from a training assignment and stopped at a convenience store on the south side of Indianapolis to purchase a few items. While in the store, the store manager informed him that an unidentified man had just stolen a case of Red Bull energy drinks and had fled the scene in a green-colored minivan. Reiss immediately called 911 and began pursuing the suspect’s vehicle. He was able to locate the vehicle, initiate a traffic stop and coordinate the arrest process together with responding officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. Reiss’ actions demonstrated exceptional quality service and facilitated the capture and arrest of a fleeing felon outside his normal jurisdiction and course of duty.
Service Award recipients:
5-Year: Secretary Angela Busalacchi, First Class Ptl. Don Heeg, First Class Ptl. Greg Kehl, First Class Ptl. Brad Kline, secretary Jessica Neff and Sgt. Andrew Reiss.
10-Year: Det. Mike Haskett, Master Ptl. Matt Johnston, Master Ptl. Joe Keith, Master Ptl. Jason McDermott and Lt. Shannon Trump.
15-Year: Master Ptl. Todd Borders, Det. John Bunch, records clerk Brandi Marcum, Master Ptl. Eric Newmark and Det. Mike Sadler.
20-Year: Public Safety Technology Specialist Jeff Hendricks.
35-Year: Parking Meter Officer Mike Brooks and secretary Velma Brattain.
40-Year: Community Service Officer Charlie Jones.
Promotions: In August 2012, Shannon Trump received a promotion to the rank of lieutenant from sergeant and Eric Cunningham received a promotion to the rank of sergeant from patrolman.