AWARDS and RECOGNITION'S
Police officers put their lives at risk every day they report to work. All of them are to be commended for the duties they perform for the community. Periodically, individual or groups of officers perform so exceptionally well or beyond what is normally expected that special recognition is due them from their peers within the department.
2012
The following are the commendations that were issued at the
2012 December awards presentation.
Photo courtesy of the SooEveningNews
From left to right:
Officer Derrek ODell - Medal of Honor
Officer John Weist - Medal of Honor
Officer Brian Mattson - Merit Commendation
U.S. Border Patrol Officer - Donald Natzke - Lifesaving Commendation
Sgt. Francis DeShano - Lifesaving Commendation
Officer Nathan Kaczmarek - Merit and Lifesaving Commendations
Photo courtesy of the SooEveningNews
A special tribute was paid to the widow of fallen Detective John Weir.
Mayor Bosbus presented Kathy Weir with a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in John's honor.
Mrs. Weir also received the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department's Police Cross on John's behalf.
2011
In 2011, for the first time, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is recognizing these outstanding efforts by officers of the police department in a public forum. Commendations were presented at the December 19, 2011, City Commission meeting to the following officers.
Individual Commendations: Officer Darrel Harp and Detective Brad Lacross for rescuing a suicidal subject on the lake ice on February 5, 2010.
Life Saving Awards: Officer Shane Hill for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking senior citizen on January 12, 2011.
Detective Thomas Swanson for conducting CPR on an unresponsive subject that was not breathing. The saving of both lives is attributed to the actions of each officer.
Certificate of Merit: Detective John Larsen for his service as the department's representative to the areas narcotics unit (SANE) for over two years and the numerous successful cases that he took part in.
No police department works successfully without the cooperation and, at times, assistance from the citizens. There are times when, without being asked, a person steps up to help officers in various situations. The Police Department is always prepared to recognize these selfless acts by non-law enforcement individuals. The following civilian was also recognized at the December 19th Commission meeting.
Civilian Citation: Mr. Tyler Cronk for the assistance he gave to Officer John Weist on September 1, 2011 to pursue and apprehend a fleeing suspect.
Congratulations to all.