CITY OF CLEVELAND DIVISION OF POLICE CALVIN D. WILLIAMS, CHIEF OF POLICE CITY OF CLEVELAND Mayor Frank G. Jackson AWARDS CEREMONY June 8, 2017 6:00 p.m.
ORDER OF EVENTS WELCOME - MASTER OF CEREMONIES Brandon Kutz Commander - Fourth District NATIONAL ANTHEM Sergeant Kennedy Jones INVOCATION John Miceli Cleveland Police Chaplain WELCOMING REMARKS Honorable Mayor Frank G. Jackson Director Michael McGrath Department of Public Safety Chief Calvin D. Williams Division of Police PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Brandon Kutz Commander - Fourth District BENEDICTION John Miceli Cleveland Police Chaplain CLOSING REMARKS
MEDAL OF HONOR The Medal of Honor is the highest award presented to a Cleveland Police Officer for acts of personal bravery performed beyond the call of duty and involving an incontestable risk of life. Badge/Rank Name Assignment Date of Incident 1367 Adam Hymes District 4 11-18-16 0434 Gene Sardon District 4 11-18-16
MEDAL OF HEROISM The Medal of Heroism is awarded to police officers who demonstrate extraordinary bravery or act in an exemplary and extraordinary manner while at substantial risk of personal harm. Badge/Rank Name Assignment Date of Incident 0840 Ryan Corrigan District 4 11-18-16 2065 Timothy Hannon District 4 11-18-16 1964 Hunter Kovach NICE Unit 11-18-16 0769 Matthew Pollack District 4 11-18-16 0119 Brian Soucek District 4 11-18-16 1383 Michael Surtz District 4 11-18-16
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to police officers who demonstrate a high degree of personal initiative, perform substantially beyond normal requirements in an exemplary manner, contribute significantly to the achievement of law enforcement goals or consistently perform at the highest levels of law enforcement. Badge/Rank Name Assignment Date of Incident 0968 James Allender NICE Unit 08-21-16 2251 James Bellomy District 1 12-10-16 1299 Jacquelyn Bennett District 3 05-09-16 0518 Corey Benz District 2 11-11-16 0452 Jamusca Britten District 4 06-22-16 1386 David Carpenter District 2 08-21-16 1048 Bennie Clark District 5 05-27-16 1158 Marcus Cloud Sex Crimes & Child Abuse Unit 06-22-16
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to police officers who demonstrate a high degree of personal initiative, perform substantially beyond normal requirements in an exemplary manner, contribute significantly to the achievement of law enforcement goals or consistently perform at the highest levels of law enforcement. Badge/Rank Name Assignment Date of Incident 0439 Paul Crawford District 3 05-09-16 0633 James Donnellan District 3 08-09-16 Sergeant Jarrod Durichko District 4 05-23-16 2225 John Graves District 2 06-22-16 1538 James Holt District 1 01-27-16 Sergeant Daniel Jopek District 2 06-22-16 2312 Robert Jorgensen District 1 12-10-16 0056 Gary Kane District 5 08-20-16 2139 Donald Kopchak District 5 05-23-16
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to police officers who demonstrate a high degree of personal initiative, perform substantially beyond normal requirements in an exemplary manner, contribute significantly to the achievement of law enforcement goals or consistently perform at the highest levels of law enforcement. Badge/Rank Name Assignment Date of Incident 0027 Ian Lower District 3 05-09-16 2022 Anthony Matis NICE Unit 08-20-16 2068 Thomas McNamara District 5 05-27-16 1704 Orlando Rivera District 5 05-27-16 1573 Nicholas Sabo District 4 12-07-16 2209 Justin Setty District 2 11-11-16 0117 Reginald Sullivan NICE Unit 08-31-16 0182 James Szucs District 3 08-09-16 2570 Walter Sumerauer Transportation Unit 04-06-16 1802 David Wagner District 1 04-06-16
SPECIAL COMMENDATION AWARD The Special Commendation Award is awarded to Division personnel who distinguish themselves by improving an administrative or tactical procedure within the Division of Police; fostering a successful community affairs program; or performing a valuable police service which demonstrates special diligence or perseverance. Badge/Rank Name Assignment Date 0773 Richard Benson District 1 12-10-16 0759 Arthur Fessler District 1 12-10-16 2205 Christopher Howard District 5 08-31-16 2427 Richard Jackson Sex Crimes & Child Abuse Unit 08-31-16 1310 George Kwan Academy Unit 05-09-16 0808 David Oliver District 5 08-31-16 2166 Shelly Piecuch Employee Assistance Unit 2014-2017 2019 Andrew Posante District 5 08-31-16 Sergeant Maria Stacho Inspection Unit 2014-2017
CITIZEN AWARD PLAQUE The Citizen Award Plaque is awarded to those citizens who distinguish themselves through the performance of a heroic act involving great personal risk. Name Date of Incident Izaiah Bowman 09-21-16 Karen Corrigan July 2017 Dennis Frinzl July 2017 Victoria Jackson 08-03-16 Cassandra Rodriguez July 2017 Brandy Shuttera July 2017
Officer George Kwan Special Commendation On May 9, 2016, Patrol Officer George Kwan was tasked with getting six recruits from the 135th Academy Class to pass the state test they had previously failed. Officer Kwan continually takes a personal interest in the success of our recruits. Officer Kwan created a comprehensive study plan that focused on each individual recruit s trouble areas and methods to improve it through practice exams, mentoring, and coaching. After six days of study and refinement, the recruits previous average score of 62.42% increased dramatically to 86.75%. Officer Kwan s hard work and dedication directly contributed to all six recruits passing the state test. Sergeant Maria Stacho and Detective Shelly Piecuch Special Commendation From 2014 through present (2017), Sergeant Maria Stacho and Detective Shelly Piecuch have been instrumental in the acquisition, implementation, updating, training, and the operation of IAPro and BlueTeam. IAPro is a database for tracking numerous operations within the Division and BlueTeam is the input method for information to get into the database. Sergeant Stacho and Detective Piecuch diligently worked to learn the two systems and then adjusted and expanded them to meet the needs of the Division. Their initiative and dedication directly affected the success of implementing IAPro and BlueTeam and making them vital to everyday operations. Officers James Allender and David Carpenter Distinguished Service Medal On August 21, 2016, Officers James Allender and David Carpenter were on routine patrol when they observed a male, wearing a bandanna, creeping towards the entrance of a discount store. Believing this to be a robbery in progress, the officers turned around saw three suspects running from the store. The officers pursued the suspects on foot and captured all three. All of the suspects had a loaded handgun on their person or close by them when arrested. The efforts of these officers prevented a store from being robbed, resulted in the arrest of three violent felons, and removed three handguns from the streets.
Officers James Bellomy and Robert Jorgensen Distinguished Service Medal, Officers Richard Benson and Arthur Fessler Special Commendation On December 10, 2016, Officers James Bellomy and Robert Jorgensen observed a vehicle driving that was recently carjacked at gunpoint. The officers followed at a safe distance while requesting more officers respond to the area. The vehicle slid off the side of the road and the two suspects fled on foot. The officers pursued the suspects on foot and captured one. Officers Benson and Fessler responded and captured the other fleeing suspect. The suspects were recognized from previous violent crimes in the area. The cooperative efforts of these officers led to the apprehension of two violent felons, the recovery of stolen property, and evidence connecting the suspects to multiple crimes. Mr. Izaiah Bowman Citizen Award Plaque On September 21, 2016, Mr. Izaiah Bowman observed officers talking to a female who had schizophrenia and was in crisis. The female was uncooperative with the officers requests to go with them or with EMS for medical treatment. Mr. Bowman started casually talking to the female, who seemed more receptive and trusting of him. Mr. Bowman was able to convince the female to enter an EMS vehicle for transport to a hospital, and rode with her keeping her calm and cooperative. Mr. Bowman s dedication to his community and fellow citizens demonstrated how anyone can help make situations better for others. Officers Jacquelyn Bennett and Paul Crawford Distinguished Service Medal, Officer Ian Lower Special Commendation On May 9, 2016, Officers Jacquelyn Bennett, Paul Crawford, and Ian Lower responded to a broadcast of a male and female shot. Officers located the victims in a parked car, and Officer Lower began providing initial medical assistance. When Officers Bennett and Crawford arrived, they immediately retrieved the first-aid kit from their vehicle, and started providing first aid to the victims gunshot wounds. Officers applied Quikclot and bandages to the victims wounds while keeping them calm. When EMS arrived, the officers assisted them with their equipment and in getting both victims into the EMS vehicles. Both victims were transported to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Officers Cory Benz and Justin Setty Distinguished Service Medal On November 11, 2016, Officers Cory Benz and Justin Setty responded to a female who was threatening suicide on a bridge. Upon their arrival the officers observed a juvenile female standing on the ledge of the bridge. The officers spoke with the juvenile female and convinced her to leave the ledge. When the female stood up the officers grabbed her and pulled her to safety. The juvenile female was then turned over to EMS for transport to a local hospital. By maintaining their calm demeanor and taking quick action, these officers potentially saved the life of a young female. Officers Benny Clark, Thomas McNamara, and Orlando Rivera Distinguished Service Medal On May 27, 2016, Officers Benny Clark, Thomas McNamara, and Orlando Rivera responded to an assignment for a female in Lake Erie. Upon their arrival, they discovered an intoxicated and despondent woman who had waded out into the lake. Despite efforts to talk the woman into returning to shore, she refused to comply and told officers to let her go. The officers then took off their equipment and waded out into the lake, preventing the female from going further into the water. Working in darkness, on a treacherous and rocky shoreline, the officers pulled the female back to safety. The officers quick action prevented this situation from progressing to a disastrous outcome. Officers James Donnellan and James Szucs Distinguished Service Medal On August 9, 2016, Officers James Donnellan and James Szucs were patrolling during extremely bad weather. Upon arrival at an assignment for a tree down on power lines the officers made the appropriate notifications. While waiting on the power company, the officers noticed that a fire had started on the side of the house connected to the downed power line. The officers ran up to the house and ordered all of the residents, two adult females and three small children, out of the house to safety. The Division of Fire was notified and Officer Donnellan used the neighbor s water hose to attempt to limit the damage from the fire. The officers bravery and selfless actions saved numerous people that night.
Detectives Jarrod Durichko and Donald Kopchak Distinguished Service Medal On May 23, 2016, Detectives Jarrod Durichko and Donald Kopchak received information about a male who was wanted for a felonious assault shooting. The detectives were familiar with this male and, using previously known information, identified acquaintances and areas frequented by the male. The detectives patrolled specific areas and located the male driving an auto. The detectives requested additional backup units and upon their arrival the male fled. After a brief vehicle pursuit, the suspect exited his vehicle and fled on foot. The detectives and other officers were able to take the male into custody without further incident. The diligent efforts of these detectives led to the arrest of a known violent criminal and the recovery of a handgun from the vehicle. Detective James Holt Distinguished Service Medal On January 27, 2016, Detective James Holt was assigned to investigate a robbery at gun point. Through diligent investigative work and follow-ups throughout Greater Cleveland, Detective Holt was able to identify a suspect and link that suspect to robberies in several cities. Once the suspect was arrested, Detective Holt was able to obtain a full confession that led to a prison term exceeding twelve years. This case is just the most recent example of Detective Holt s effectiveness at solving crimes that lead to effective prosecutions and the removal of criminals from the streets. Mrs. Karen Corrigan, Mr. Dennis Frinzl, Mrs. Cassandra Rodriquez, and Mrs. Brandy Shuttera Citizen Award Plaque Mrs. Karen Corrigan, Mr. Dennis Frinzl, Mrs. Cassandra Rodriquez, and Mrs. Brandy Shuttera donated a substantial amount of their own time to arrange for pick-up and delivery of food to police officers during the Republican National Convention (RNC). The RNC was held in Cleveland from July 17th through July 21st, 2016, amid large groups of demonstrators, high temperatures, and extended hours placing an extraordinary demand on members of the Cleveland Division of Police, as well as thousands of officers from assisting agencies. These citizens did this out of kindness and their genuine heartfelt appreciation of police. Their actions and concern helped provide for the care and comfort of officers participating in this challenging event.
Officers Gary Kane and Anthony Matis Distinguished Service Medal On August 20, 2016, Officers Gary Kane and Anthony Matis were gathering information for a report when a female approached and told the officers there was a man on a nearby street wearing a ski mask and carrying a gun. The officers quickly obtained further information and notified dispatch. The officers then started searching the area for the male. They observed the male who quickly removed the ski mask and put his hands in his pockets. When the officers ordered the male to stop and show his hands he fled with both officers in foot pursuit. Officers observed the male pull a handgun from his pocket and toss it. The male continued running for a short distance and then stopped and surrendered. The actions of these officers resulted in the prevention of a violent crime, the arrest of a criminal, and the recovery a loaded handgun. Officer Nicholas Sabo Distinguished Service Medal On December 7, 2016, Officer Nicholas Sabo responded to an assignment for aggravated robbery with armed suspects. Officer Sabo began touring for the suspects and any evidence. While touring, Officer Sabo spoke to a citizen that saw a vehicle speed away from the area about the time of the aggravated robbery. Knowing the direction of travel, a description of the vehicle, and knowledge of the area, Officer Sabo located the suspect vehicle parked at a residence. While on scene with this vehicle Officer Sabo spoke to the residents and gathered information regarding the people that lived at that location. Officer Sabo relayed that information to detectives who were able to arrest the suspects without incident and recover the firearms. Officer Sabo s diligence to duty facilitated the arrest of violent and armed suspects before more crimes were perpetrated. Officer Reginald Sullivan Distinguished Service Medal, Officers Christopher Howard, Richard Jackson, David Oliver, and Andrew Posante Special Commendation On August 31, 2016, Officers Reginald Sullivan, Christopher Howard, Richard Jackson, David Oliver, and Andrew Posante were patrolling as a group when they heard a single gunshot from extremely close by. The officers realized the shot came from a female that appeared to be arguing with several males. Officers observed the female give a handgun to one of the males. As officers approached, the male attempted to pull out the handgun. Officer Sullivan secured the male s arms so he could not retrieve the gun. The other officers secured the remaining persons to conduct an investigation into the gunshot and the group s activities. The quick actions of these officers led to the arrest of two criminals and the removal of a handgun from the streets.
Officers Walter Sumerauer and David Wagner Distinguished Service Medal On April 6, 2016, Officers Walter Sumerauer and David Wagner responded to a call of a female in crisis who was assaulting her family. When the officers tried to talk to the female, she refused to answer, became angrier, and slammed the door. Shortly after, she opened the door and threatened the officers with a hammer. As the female advanced, Officer Sumerauer drew his firearm, tactically retreated, and began ordering her to drop the hammer. The officers tried de-escalation tactics that she ignored. The female continued advancing toward Officer Sumerauer as he retreated backward up the stairs. The female repeatedly raised the hammer in a threatening manner, yelling "shoot me." While the female focused on Officer Sumerauer, Officer Wagner moved behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and prevented her movement. Officer Sumerauer was then able to secure the hammer and take the female into custody without injury. Mrs. Victoria Jackson Citizen Award Plaque On August 3, 2016, Mrs. Victoria Jackson was driving when she saw a vehicle traveling at high rate of speed approaching her from behind. The vehicle recklessly passed on her right side striking a motorcycle. Mrs. Jackson saw the motorcycle fall and the rider lying on the ground. The vehicle that struck the motorcycle fled the scene. Mrs. Jackson followed the vehicle while calling the police and providing a description of the driver and vehicle, including the license plate. Mrs. Jackson then returned to the scene of the crash and remained on scene, losing wages for a day, to assist and be interviewed by responding officers. Because of the information provided by Mrs. Jackson, the suspect in this fatal hit-skip was identified. Sergeant Daniel Jopek, Officers Jamusca Britten, Marcus Cloud, and Detective John Graves Distinguished Service Medal On June 22, 2016, Sergeant Daniel Jopek, Officers Jamusca Britten, Marcus Cloud, and Detective John Graves were among numerous other officers detailed to the Cleveland Cavaliers championship parade and related events when several gunshots rang out from a nearby crowded public area. Officers observed a juvenile female that had been shot in the legs and immediately pulled her from the crowd to a position of safety. A first-aid kit was provided and the officers began to apply tourniquets and bandages. The officers provided aid and comforted the juvenile who was in agonizing pain as reports of an active shooter came across the police radio. The officers maintained extreme vigilance as a crowd encircled the safe zone they created to treat the juvenile. Officers used their bodies to maintain cover for the juvenile during the chaotic situation. When EMS arrived, officers assisted getting the juvenile into the vehicle and on her way to the hospital.
Officers Adam Hymes and Gene Sardon Medal of Honor, Officers Ryan Corrigan, Timothy Hannon, Hunter Kovach, Matthew Pollack, Brian Soucek, and Michael Surtz Medal of Heroism On November 18, 2016, officers responded to an assignment for males that had broken into a fenced-in electric company sub-station. Officers Hymes and Sardon arrived on the scene and discovered four males hiding on the property. When discovered, all four males fled on foot with officers Hymes and Sardon in pursuit, broadcasting descriptions, and directions of travel. One of the males turned and fired two shots at the officers, but thankfully missed. The officers repeatedly ordered the male to drop the handgun, but the male instead pointed the gun at them. Fearing for their safety, Officers Hymes and Sardon, fired their service weapons at the armed male. Other officers arrived and created a perimeter. The officers continued searching, finding two of the males and the discarded firearm. Through cooperative efforts, officers were able to locate and arrest suspects who broke in to a property and fired shots at police officers, and also recover a handgun.
The City of Cleveland Mission Statement We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing the diversity of our citizens and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, raise a family, shop, study, play and grow old. Cleveland Division of Police Mission Statement The mission of the Cleveland Division of Police is to serve as guardians of the Cleveland community. Guided by the Constitution, we shall enforce the law, maintain order, and protect the lives, property, and rights of all people. We shall carry out our duties with a reverence for human life and in partnership with members of the community through professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence in policing.