Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS – Three Indiana State Police troopers were recognized at an awards ceremony in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 12.

The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and accomplishments that all too often go without proper recognition. Officers were recognized for their dedication, service, bravery, devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana.

Master Trooper Mick Dockery

Master Trooper Mick Dockery

Master Trooper Mick Dockery from the Indiana State Police Bremen Post was recognized for several awards.

Master Trooper Dockery received a Gold Star Award for Distinguished Service for his actions on Sept. 12, 2020. While on a traffic stop in South Bend, Dockery was alerted by a passing motorist that a house was on fire nearby. When Dockery arrived at the scene, he saw that the garage and east side of the house was fully engulfed in flames. Dockery approached the front door and could see a man standing in the front room. He told the man to come out, but the man was unable to open the front door.

Dockery forced the storm door open as the man disappeared deeper into the burning home, saying he was looking for his pet. Dockery then saw a disoriented woman and pulled her from the burning home to safety in the front yard. Dockery went back into the house and was able to safely escort the man from the burning home.

Master Trooper Dockery also was recognized as the 2020 Trooper of the District for the Bremen Post. This award is given annually to a trooper at each district that personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic. Dockery was selected by his command staff for his dedication, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations. During 2020, Dockery made 818 criminal arrests, 110 of which were for felonies.

Dockery also excels in making Indiana’s roads safer through his DUI enforcement. These actions resulted in 203 DUI arrests during 2020. Dockery also received the District DUI Award as well as a DUI Life Award for being the top DUI enforcer within the Indiana State Police for 2020.

Dockery also received a Combat Action Award for actions taken during a barricaded subject call in St. Joseph County in September 2008. During this incident, Dockery had several rounds fired at him and other officers from a man barricaded inside a home before the man was eventually taken into custody.

Dockery’s actions in 2020 ultimately resulted in him being named the Indiana State Police 2020 Trooper of the Year. This award is presented yearly to the top trooper in Indiana “who inspires others to serve in a manner that significantly exceeds expectations. The Trooper of the Year has exemplified strength of character, a strong work ethic, and an unsurpassed level of integrity that is the embodiment of being an Indiana State Trooper.”

Dockery has served with the Indiana State Police for nearly 22 years. He patrols the Bremen District primarily in Elkhart County.

Trooper Benjamin Beers

Trooper Benjamin Beers

The 2020 Trooper of the District Award for the Toll Road Post was presented to Trooper Benjamin Beers. This award is given annually to a trooper at each district that personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic. Beers was selected by his command staff for his dedication, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations. In 2020, Beers made 425 arrests and 110 DUI arrests. Beers also received the District DUI Award and DUI Life Award for being the Indiana State Police #2 DUI enforcer for 2020. Beers is a four-year veteran of the Indiana State Police and patrols the Indiana Toll Road in Lake and Porter Counties.

Trooper Luis Alvarez

Trooper Luis Alvarez

Trooper Luis Alvarez received a Lifesaving Award for actions taken on Sept. 29, 2020. Trooper Alvarez was assisting a vehicle that had become disabled along the Indiana Toll Road in Porter County. While waiting with this vehicle for a tow truck to arrive, a female passenger accidentally shot herself while placing a handgun into her purse. The bullet traveled through both her upper legs, causing heavy bleeding. Alvarez used two CAT tourniquets to slow the flow of blood until an ambulance arrived.

Investigation showed the woman was placing the handgun in her purse when it accidentally discharged. The driver did have a valid permit. Alvarez is a three-year veteran of the Indiana State Police and patrols the Indiana Toll Road in St. Joseph, Elkhart, and LaGrange Counties.