WisDOT honors Wisconsin State Patrol staff for exceptional service

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) honored Wisconsin State Patrol troopers, inspectors and civilian staff for outstanding service at the State Patrol Award Ceremony held today in Wisconsin Dells.

This year, 39 awards were presented to State Patrol employees who went above and beyond in their service to communities across the state. The annual ceremony highlights lifesaving efforts and innovations that improve state patrol operations. Staff recognized today exude high levels of bravery, dedication and professionalism.

Governor Tony Evers joined Wisconsin Department of Transportation leaders and spoke at the ceremony.

“Members of the Wisconsin State Patrol work every day to serve our families, our communities, and keep our roads and communities safe. I’m incredibly grateful for their service and the sacrifices they and their families make every day,” said Gov. Evers. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize their good work each year, and I want to give a huge congratulations to today’s award recipients. As governor, I remain committed to making sure we are taking care of the officers and staff of the State Patrol so they can do their important work for our state.”

Lifesaving and Meritorious Service awards recognize those who saved lives or put themselves in physical danger to keep someone else safe. The Commendable Service, Superintendent’s Commendation, Unit Citation and employee of the year categories acknowledge accomplishments that contribute to WisDOT’s key mission to build a safe and efficient transportation system.

“We truly value these opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of WisDOT employees who work every day to help us maintain a safe and efficient transportation system in Wisconsin,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “State Patrol’s officers, technical experts and program managers each fill an essential role to keep Wisconsin roads safe and provide a critical resource to help the public and industry groups understand their role in transportation safety.”

Employees were nominated by their peers and selected to receive recognition for their actions by the State Patrol Awards Committee.

“Each State Patrol award recipient embodies the values of our agency. They are leaders within their field. They have compassion, integrity and character,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “It is with great respect and gratitude that we honor their outstanding efforts that are truly make an impact in communities across the state.”

More information about the award recipients and their work is in the Award Ceremony program. Find photos of the ceremony and award recipients here.

Lifesaving Award

Award recipient	Post
Trooper Kyle Braun	Eau Claire
Trooper Forrest Cantwell	Eau Claire
Trooper Brody Schmitz	Tomah
Trooper Cody Digre	TMC
Trooper Steven Frantal	Wausau
Civilian William Frantal
Trooper Caleb Grabow-Hohensee	Wausau
Inspector Dustin Johanning	Tomah
Sergeant Nic Lorenzen	Waukesha
Sergeant Joseph Stephens	Waukesha
Trooper Damian Wood	Eau Claire

Special Recognition

​Award	​Award recipient	​Post
Commendable Service	Sergeant Jennifer Austin	Fond du Lac
Commendable Service	Jessica Bader	Headquarters
Commendable Service	Sergeant Erica Ballweg-Larsen	DeForest
Commendable Service	Lieutenant Harmanjot Chahal	Traffic Management Center
Commendable Service	Captain Nate Clarke	Headquarters
Commendable Service	Chief David Harvey	Headquarters
Commendable Service	Lieutenant Nate Henriksen	Headquarters
Commendable Service	Lieutenant Andrew Hyer	Headquarters
Commendable Service	Lieutenant Kevin Kinderman	Waukesha
Commendable Service	Lieutenant Luke Newman	Fond du Lac
Commendable Service	Captain Brad Ocain	Waukesha
Commendable Service	Mark Resheske	Headquarters
Meritorious Service	Inspector Kendi Linjer	Wausau
Meritorious Service	Trooper Justin Luangaram	DeForest
Meritorious Service	Inspector Aaron Peterson	Tomah
Meritorious Service	Trooper Cole Glassford	Fond du Lac
Meritorious Service	Trooper Anthony Rader	Fond du Lac
Superintendent’s Commendation	Trooper Christina Holtz	Tomah
Superintendent’s Commendation	Trooper Steven Kuhnke	Fond du Lac
Superintendent’s Commendation	Trooper Redouan Oubouha	Waukesha
Superintendent’s Commendation	Trooper David Welling	Fond du Lac
Innovation and Excellence Award	Trooper Brandon Ferrell	Headquarters
Innovation and Excellence Award	Lieutenant Kevin Kinderman	Waukesha

Employees of the Year

​Award	​Award recipient	​Post
Inspector of the Year	Inspector David Ecklor	Spooner
Trooper of the Year	Trooper Darrick Lorbecki	Traffic Management Center
Civilian Employee of the Year	Nicole Duensing	Chemical Test Section
Dispatcher of the Year	Kelly Rhodes	DeForest

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.