Last Friday afternoon, April 10, the Indiana State Police Department held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements, deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishments that all too often go without the proper recognition. Ninety employees from Indiana State Police Department from around the state were honored. They were recognized for their dedication to service, bravery, and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana. Fourteen area troopers assigned to the Bremen Post and Toll Road Post were recognized at the ceremony.

Patrick O’Keefe (Photo provided).

The 2014 Trooper of the District Awards were presented to Bremen Post Trooper Patrick O’Keefe and Toll Road Post Trooper Andrew Inczauskis. This award is given annually to a trooper at each district that personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well rounded work ethic. Both troopers were selected by their command staff for their dedication, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations.

Bremen Post Trooper Ryan McNamara and Toll Road Post Trooper Anthony Potesta both received the District DUI Award for their commitment in removing impaired drivers from Indiana roadways. Both troopers led their respective districts in drunk driving arrests.

Anthony Potesta (Photo provided)

Bremen Post Trooper William Ennis was presented the Combat Action Award. This award is presented to an employee for courageous “at risk” performance of duty. The requirements of this award include the use of defense against life threatening physical force.

Nine troopers received a Commendation Award for their role in the Martins Supermarket shooting investigation. This included M/Tpr. Detective Chad Sherwood who also received the Outstanding Criminal Investigation Award for the state. Sherwood was the lead investigator for the state police. Other troopers also recognized for their roles in the investigation include M/Tpr. Detective Donald Curl, M/Tpr. Detective Brooks Johnson, M/Tpr. Detective Laurie Lemler, M/Tpr. Detective Aaron Rypma, Investigative Sgt. Alan Lowrance, Crime Scene Investigator Sergeants Lamar Helmuth and Thomas Kolb (Ret.), and Public Information Sgt. Trent Smith.