Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, far left, and Board of Works Member Jeff Grose, far right, join Warsaw Police Detective Sgt. Brad Kellar and Chief Scott Whitaker announcing the receipt of a national Narcotics Unit Award. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — An award the Warsaw Police Department Narcotics Unit received in March, was announced this morning, Friday, May 6, at the Warsaw City Board of Works meeting. The Narcotics Unit Award was presented by the National Criminal Enforcement Association.

Detective Sgt. Brad Kellar, representing the narcotics unit, stated the department has been a part of the National Criminal Enforcement Association since 2005. While recognition has been given for basic criminal interdiction — those in uniform — the NCEA recently began recognizing narcotic interdiction for those “who are doing things in plain clothes.”

Kellar stated not every state participants in the NCEA, however a majority do. The award was presented at the National Interdiction Conference in Nevada, which the narcotics unit attended. The award recognizes the outstanding efforts in pursing the criminal element as it relates to narcotics, including working with other agencies and furthering investigations to the fullest extent. The Narcotics Unit was also recognized for the “Largest Street Level Prescription Medication Seizure.”

Kellar explained that by being a part of the national organization, the department can network cases with agencies from Florida to California, and even Ohio and Kentucky. “It allows us to look up others, give them a call (directly) and get stuff going more efficiently.” He pointed out there are cases requiring bigger investigations.

Kellar said the department’s largest drug arrest was a traffic stop where over 40 pounds of cocaine was seized.

“We are fortunate to receive this award,” said Kellar. “The department has been relentless — uniform and plain clothes — to use the information received, cultivate tips … It’s a slow process.”

Mayor Joe Thallemer recognized the honor. “It shows the type of dedication you guys give and others (individuals) are noticing that … in reality you do what you can to protect our citizens.”

While the narcotics unit consists of Kellar, Detective Sgt. Paul Heaton and R.J. Nethaway, Warsaw Police Chief Scott D. Whitaker stated the award is indicative of the entire department.

Warsaw Police Department Narcotics unit was formed in June 2012, under the direction of Whitaker. Initially, two detectives were assigned to the unit; a third was added approximately a year later as the need dictated. The Narcotics Unit is assisted by Warsaw Police Department Criminal Detectives and members of the patrol division and regularly works with state and federal authorities.

Heaton Promoted

It was also announced at the BOW meeting, Heaton was promoted to lieutenant. He will be immediate supervisor for the detective division and in charge of the narcotics detectives and criminal detectives.

Heaton was hired as a deputy marshal by Winona Lake in 2005 and joined the Warsaw Police Department in June 2009. He was temporarily assigned to the county drug task force in 2010, and in June 2012 he was assigned to the WPD’s narcotics unit. In September 2013 he was promoted to the rank of detective sergeant.

“Lt. Heaton is a highly dependable and productive investigator, who is sought out as a source of information by many other agencies. He is a proven leader on our department and is dedicated to his profession,” said Whitaker.