Police recognize exceptional work

The forms their acts of bravery and service contributions took varied greatly. Some risked their lives to protect innocent neighbors from gunfire or walked into a building that had just exploded to rescue victims. Others applied tourniquets to the amputated limbs of an accident victim or saved a suicidal teen. Others tackled ongoing difficult and dangerous investigations with patience and persistence. What they all have in common is that they were honored by the Minneapolis Police Department for their exceptional service in 2013.

2013 Police Officer of the Year

Officer Chad Meyer, 3rd Precinct, was named Officer of the Year. Meyer was recognized for helping the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecute the Native Mob Gang. As a result of his efforts to locate and prepare nearly 300 witnesses to testify in the federal racketeering trial, three of the gang’s most violent members were convicted. Meyer was also lauded for his bravery in confronting and restraining an emotionally disturbed man who bit Meyer’s hand, resulting in the partial loss of one of his fingers.

Congratulations to the other nominees for Officer of the Year:

Officer Griffin Hillbo, 1st Precinct.
Officer Nick Englund, 2nd Precinct.
Officer Sean Lessard, 4th Precinct.
Officer Ker Yang, 5th Precinct.
Officer Lucas Peterson, Special Operations Division.

2013 Investigator of the Year

Officer Dale Hanson, Crime Lab, was named Investigator of the Year in recognition of his efforts to keep hundreds of children safe by locating and helping prosecute distributors of child pornography. His dedication and determination led to more than 1,128 administrative subpoenas, 23 warrants on internet service providers and 32 search warrants.

Congratulations to the other nominees for Investigator of the Year:

Sgt. Marvin Schumer, 4th Precinct.
Sgt. Jason Walters, Juvenile Division.

2013 Park Police Officer of the Year

Officer Lynette Unke was honored for her crime prevention work, willingness to mentor new officers and commitment to maintaining positive relationships with neighborhoods. Unke was also thanked for her willingness to take a temporary assignment that resulted in erasing a substantial backlog of administrative tickets.

2013 Civilian of the Year

Linda Koenig, CID office support specialist, was recognized for her administrative and organizational skills that ensure the smooth functioning of two offices as well as the caring and compassionate service she provides to visitors, victims and witnesses.

Congratulations to Darlene Witthans, who was also nominated for the Civilian of the Year award.

2013 Citizen’s Award of Valor

Mohamed Armeli received the Citizen’s Award of Valor for chasing down a man who had punched a young boy and stolen his iPad.

2013 Unit Citation Awards

The Robbery Unit was honored for its success in closing 197 cases. The unit, which has seen a 39 percent increase in cases charged, was recognized for its teamwork and the thoroughness of its investigations. The unit’s closure rate was 55 percent — significantly higher than the national average of 28 percent.

The 4th Precinct Directed Patrol Team was honored for its efforts to remove illegal firearms and decrease gun crimes on the North Side. Working in uniform and undercover, the unit targeted known violent offenders and recovered 73 guns and 13 replica firearms during proactive stops. The team made 86 gun arrests, 121 felony arrests, 76 felony warrant arrests and 1,224 misdemeanor arrests last year.

Congratulations to the Crime Lab Unit, 3rd Precinct CRT and the 3rd Precinct Dogwatch for also receiving nominations for Unit Citation awards.

2013 CODEFOR Recognition Award

The 2nd Precinct was honored for its continuing success in reducing violent crime and property crime. The precinct’s formula for success included collaborating with other agencies, focusing on hot spots, targeting chronic repeat offenders, and proactively focusing on education and outreach efforts to prevent crime.