Officers and agencies honored at MCPA Awards Banquet

 

MCPA - Several law enforcement officers from across the state were recognized for their service, acts of bravery and community outreach by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association at its annual statewide banquet.  The ceremony was held during MCPA’s Executive Training Institute in Duluth.

Police Cross:  Presented to the family of Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews in recognition of his supreme sacrifice, giving his life in the service of the community.  Mathews was hit and killed September 8th, 2017 by an impaired driver while removing debris from Highway 12 in Wayzata.  A delegation from Wayzata, including Mathews fellow officers, the mayor, city council and city manager, attended the ceremony. 

Distinguished Service Award:  Presented to Isanti School Resource Officer Adam Gau in recognition of his excellence in serving the students and staff of the Cambridge-Isanti School District.  Officer Gau’s programs and community outreach are recognized as models for other school resource officers to emulate.
The Distinguished Service Award is given for exceptional achievement in crime prevention, detective work, community service, juvenile work, drug control and prevention, training, traffic safety, mentoring and innovative approaches to public safety.
Meritorious Service Certificate:  Presented to Officer Erin Holznagel of the Burnsville Police Department and Detective Sergeant Mike Schiltz of the Savage Police Department.  Officer Holznagel was recognized for a series of actions throughout 2017, including talking a distraught individual out of harming himself.  Detective Sgt. Schiltz received the certificate for his work tracking and organizing a complex bank and mail fraud case.
The Meritorious Service Certificate is presented for a series of acts through which officers perform well above the expected in the normal performance of duty.

Lifesaver Award:  Presented to Officers Souphanny Dean, Brian Bataglia and Macabe Stariha of the Richfield Police Department.  All three officers put their lives in danger while rescuing a man overcome by carbon monoxide while working in the basement of his home. The award is presented to officers whose actions rise above the normal course of duty and involve extraordinary performance or significant risk in the course of lifesaving action.