RPD holds annual awards ceremony

(ABC 6 News) – A big part of public safety is the men and women who serve and protect our communities.

The Rochester Police department held its annual award ceremony honoring officers for their service Thursday evening.

RPD says around 60 law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and community members received letters of recognition, commendation awards, lifesaving awards, and awards of valor.

Chief Jim Franklin says he could not be more proud of his police department and the officers who put on the uniform every day.

"I get to see it every day i think the benefit of this ceremony today was that the rest of the public got to see it as well and understand the complexities and difficulties of the job of the American police officer today which is a very difficult job," said Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin.

The Rochester Police Department currently has about 150 sworn officers.

Letter of Recognition: Awarded to an individual who distinguishes themself for an act or achievement that is beyond the normal performance required of that person, and which reflects well upon the department and community.

• Officer Richard Alexander
• Officer Al Arzola
• Officer Tracy Asche
• Officer Brayden Chapman
• Officer Alex Clement
• Officer Tim Condon
• Officer Chris Fordham
• Officer Tim Hagen
• Officer Brandon MacLeod
• Officer Greg Marx
• Officer Steve Osborne
• Officer Dwight Parker (2)
• Officer Tyler Pond
• Officer Chantel Powell
• Officer Meagan Schroeder
• Officer Ryan Sillers
• Officer Brian Smith
• Officer Jason Wesely
• Sgt. Joel Blahnik
• Sgt. Ryan Lodermeier
• Dispatcher Sara Robertson
• Citizen Kayla Richards
• Citizen Montez Ruth

Commendation Award: Awarded to an individual demonstrating exemplary performance of their normal duties, or for outstanding accomplishments in the areas of improved operations.

• Officer Jesse Ackerson
• Officer Brayden Chapman (2)
• Officer Mitchell Fitzgerald
• Officer Anne Johnson (2)
• Officer Anja Kelley
• Officer Alex Kendrick
• Officer Kurt Knutsen
• Officer Nick Kruger
• Officer Aron Lodermeier
• Officer Jake Matz
• Officer Brock Neumann
• Officer Steve Osborne
• Officer Paul Osowski
• Officer Dwight Parker
• Officer Chris Weber (2)
• Officer Lance Woltman
• Sgt. Wade Blazejak
• Sgt. Ryan Edge
• Sgt. Greg Jeardeau
• Sgt. Eric Strop
• Sgt. Steve Thompson
• Lt. Ryan Manguson
• Dispatch Supervisor Jon Algyer
• Citizen Jennifer Delgado Diaz
• Citizen Dr. Travis Einertson
• Citizen Gabrielle Griffin
• Citizen Heather Harrington
• Citizen Kerri Hoey
• Citizen Coral Moe
• Citizen Oscar Rodriguez

Lifesaving Award: Awarded to an individual who saves another person’s life.

• Officer Brayden Chapman
• Officer Jordan Day
• Officer Ben Schlag
• Officer Ryan Sillers
• Officer Andrew Tindal
• Trooper Tyler Crabtree
• Citizen Kristina Larson

Valor Award: Awarded to a sworn police officer for acts of outstanding bravery or heroism in the line of duty.

• Officer Richard Alexander
• Officer Mitchell Fitzgerald
• Officer Pat Hoult
• Officer Alex Ziemann
• Sgt. Jean Valere Officer