Officers, Public Recognized with Department Awards
Updated with comments –
Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The Marshfield Police Department recognized its officers and members of the public during its 1st annual Department Awards banquet on Feb. 22.
A five-person Honors Committee selected the recipients of the awards. The banquet was held at the Laird Center with support from the Marshfield Clinic Health System Center for Community Health Advancement.
“The purpose of this ceremony was to have officers and their families join together to have dinner, celebrate, and show support for all of our staff who have worked so hard to provide high-quality service for this community,” said Police Chief Rick Gramza.
The Honors Committee members were Lieutenant Dennis Keffer, Detective Derek Iverson, Officer Aaron Wargowsky, Officer Robert Beathard, and School Resource Officer Julie Leu-Martinek.
“Over the past year, the committee has worked to expand the number and description of awards to do a better job of celebrating our achievements, successes, and partnerships,” said Lt. Keffer. “The Honors Committee created an Annual Awards Banquet to serve this purpose, as well as to maintain the solemnity of Peace Officer Memorial Day by not presenting our increased number of awards at that event.”
The inaugural event was a great success and the department is already planning for next year.
“The recognitions and awards, though small tokens for each recipient’s efforts, does not account for the countless and frequent selfless acts by all of our employees daily,” Gramza said. “Thank you to all who have publicly and privately supported our agency this past year.”
The following recipients were recognized:
Career Achievement Award: Lt. Darren Larsen, in recognition of his over 30 years of service to the Marshfield community.
Officer of the Year: Officer Mack Scheppler, for his high activity level, ability to remain cool and in control during high stress incidents, and his positive and supportive attitude on shift.
Agency Assist of the Year: Wood County Sheriff’s Department Wisconsin, for their partnership in emergency and non-emergency responses in the service of the community.
Member of the Year: Records Specialist Deb Karl, for her efforts in maintaining high standards by sharing her knowledge and experience.
Community Partnership: Harry Dolan, for ongoing volunteer work with Autism Awareness presentations to Marshfield Police Department and others.
Media Relations Award: Mark Holley WSAW, for public engagement with the department in a light-hearted manner, strengthening public trust.
Critical Incident Recognition was provided to many officers involved in critical incidents and life-saving actions last year:
Lt. Travis Esser, Lt. Travis Sherden, Officer Robert Beathard, Officer Landon Kramer (2), Officer Libby Abel (2), Officer Alex Mitchell, Officer Anthony Klein, Officer Terry Endries, Detective Kevin Hamill, Lead Officer Jason Punke, Officer Kelly Carolfi, Officer Mack Scheppler, Lead Officer Steve Meek, Lt. Jody Geurink, Officer Allie Eckes, and Officer Andrew Ringquist.
Lifesaving Awards were presented to: Officer Chris Berg, Officer Mack Scheppler (2), Lt. Jody Geurink, Lt. Travis Sherden, Lead Officer Jason Punke, and Officer Robert Beathard.
Lieutenant Darren Larson to Retire from Marshfield Police Department
Author: News Desk
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