Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Press Release

Governor Evers/State Patrol recognize law enforcement officers, public and private citizens for heroism and commendable service

“These annual awards provide an important opportunity to recognize their extraordinary dedication and professionalism, and to thank them for their service.”

By - Oct 30th, 2019 02:51 pm
State Patrol Awards. Photo courtesy of WisDOT.

State Patrol Awards. Photo courtesy of WisDOT.

Middleton, WI…As part of the annual State Patrol awards ceremony today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recognized 59 people including law enforcement officers, other government employees and citizens for lifesaving efforts and exemplary public service.

“Every day, Wisconsin’s emergency responders go above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect our communities and folks across our state,” Governor Evers said. “These annual awards provide an important opportunity to recognize their extraordinary dedication and professionalism, and to thank them for their service.”

Along with enforcing traffic laws, assisting stranded motorists and inspecting commercial motor vehicles, State Patrol officers serve in many roles including K-9 handlers, drone and aircraft pilots, and crash reconstruction experts. The next State Patrol recruitment cycle – when men and women can apply to serve as troopers or inspectors – begins November 11, 2019 and ends January 12, 2020. More information can be found at wistatepatroljobs.wi.gov.

The award categories, individuals recognized, their agency and hometowns are noted below. Details on each award can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) website. Digital photos of the recipients receiving their award will be posted at the following Google Drive and WisDOT FTP locations:

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ohs8UpWaltL5slNClmzi7NLGI3L4pQVm

WisDOT FTP: ftp://ftp.dot.wi.gov/dbm/bs/ccs/2019-Wisconsin-State-Patrol-Awards-Ceremony/

Lifesaving Awards (efforts that maintained or saved a life)

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Sgt. Clarissa Justmann North Fond du Lac PD
Andrew Radovan Civilian
Sgt. Clint Beck State Patrol Eden, WI
Sgt. Luke Newman State Patrol Fond du Lac, WI
Trooper Jordan Matuseski State Patrol Beaver Dam, WI
Trooper Coady Schiltz State Patrol
Inspector Mark Barlar State Patrol
Sgt. Clarissa Justmann North Fond du Lac PD
Trooper Brock Rizzo State Patrol Spooner, WI
Trooper Jeff Zuzunaga State Patrol
Trooper Darrick Lorbecki State Patrol
Trooper Timothy Westphal State Patrol Minocqua, WI
Inspector Creighton Schwark State Patrol Brown Deer, WI
Trooper Jeff Splinter State Patrol
Trooper Ryan Rattunde State Patrol Necedah, WI
Trooper Todd Carl State Patrol
Sgt. Jennifer Austin State Patrol Sturgeon Bay, WI
Carmen D. McVane Civilian
Trooper Michael Knowlton State Patrol Rochester, MN
Inspector Jerrick Krueger State Patrol Ozaukee County

Lifesaving Effort Awards (recognizes significant or prolonged lifesaving efforts)

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper Jon Kersten State Patrol
Trooper Dave Meredith State Patrol
Officer John White Brookfield Police Dept.
Trooper David Gibson State Patrol Fond du Lac, WI
Trooper Mark Samborski State Patrol
Trooper Logan Christel State Patrol
Brian Payne Law enforcement dispatcher
Inspector Creighton Schwark State Patrol
Inspector Dylan Strasburg State Patrol Lake Mills, WI
Trooper Anna Waterman State Patrol Amery, WI
Trooper Troy Stage State Patrol

Commendable Service Awards (highly creditable acts that are above and beyond normal job expectations/accomplishments that enhance efficiency/effectiveness)

Award recipient Agency Hometown
John Scherbert State Patrol Endeavor, WI
Inspector Mark Barlar State Patrol Racine, WI
Inspector Karl Kronau State Patrol
Robert Stein State Patrol

Meritorious Service Awards (efforts that exceed duty expectations and place officers at risk)

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper Anthony Olson State Patrol Bloomer, WI
Trooper Jacob Edwards State Patrol Sparta, WI
Inspector Travis Lauer State Patrol Edgerton, WI
Trooper Brandon Ferrell State Patrol
Capt. Andrew Lyga WI Dept. of Corrections Edgerton, WI

Trooper of the Year

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper Jamie Kahkola State Patrol Green Bay, WI

Inspector of the Year

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Inspector Ryan xSchultz State Patrol Kronenwetter, WI

Dispatcher of the Year

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Carol Walsh Law enforcement dispatcher Sand Creek, WI

Civilian Employee of the Year

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Paul Burkard State Patrol Madison, WI

Unit Citation – State Patrol K-9 Unit (recognizes a work unit that has exhibited a significant degree of team effort)

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Sgt. Todd Brehm State Patrol Janesville, WI
Trooper Alex Trofin State Patrol
Trooper Justin Glasener State Patrol
Trooper Christopher Reyna State Patrol
Trooper Dillon Larson State Patrol
Trooper Evan Fox State Patrol
Trooper David McCarthy State Patrol
Trooper Derek Bergum State Patrol
Trooper Darrick Lorbecki State Patrol

Superintendent Commendation Awards (recognizes employees who have achieved a superior level of proficiency in law enforcement activities)

Speed Enforcement

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper David Arras State Patrol Eau Claire, WI

Seat Belt Enforcement

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper Ron Zenk State Patrol

Impaired Driving Enforcement

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper Brett Boley State Patrol Chippewa Falls, WI
Melissa Kimball State Patrol Chem Test Oconomowoc, WI

Highway Criminal Interdiction Enforcement

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Trooper Zach Sincoular State Patrol

Superintendent’s Commendation

Award recipient Agency Hometown
Inspector Dan Slick State Patrol Superior, WI

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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