CHIEF RECOGNIZES SERVICE FROM TWO INCIDENTS
During a Tiffin City Council meeting May 2, Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly recognized officers and department staff for their service to the community.
Officers Justin Nowak and Marcus Somers were both awarded the Community Service Award and the Lightning Bolt Award for their exceptional work. The Lightning Bolt Award is presented to any officer for the apprehension of the perpetrator of a stolen vehicle.
Jan. 15, Officers of the Tiffin Police Department pursued a stolen vehicle that had an uninvolved person held captive in the backseat. The totality of the circumstances indicated the uninvolved person was a hostage, held against their will. The driver refused to pull over and allow the uninvolved person to exit the vehicle and escape unharmed. Sommers and Nowak maintained the pursuit for the duration and used the appropriate amount of force in the termination of the pursuit and arrest of the subject
By making the decision to stop the stolen vehicle and terminating the pursuit you saved the community from a reckless driver and perhaps saved the life of the hostage. In his remarks, Pauly said this act is commendable and an example of community service at its best.
This is Somers’ first Community Service Award and Nowak’s fourth, and the first Lightning Bolt Award for both officers.
Pauly also gave special thanks to Officer Drew Westenbarger and Dispatcher Patty Mcintyre for their assistance in bringing this matter to a safe conclusion.
Pauly also recognized sergeants Scott McDole and Eric Aller and Officer Becca Timm with Lightning Bolt Awards.
Feb. 2, McDole and Aller along with Officers Michael Moore and Timm investigated an assault complaint on Second Avenue in Tiffin. During that investigation, the identity was determined of the perpetrator involved in the assault. While searching the area, McDole observed the subject in what was determined to be a stolen vehicle, and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to comply. Officers were led on a slow-speed pursuit due to snowy weather, and traveled to the area of Day’s Inn on SR 53, where the suspect vehicle slid off the roadway and crashed.
The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers gave chase in the snow and across a frozen creek. Aller, while giving chase, fell through the ice. The subject doubled back in an attempted to evade officers and hide inside the Day’s Inn. McDole observed the subject inside the Days Inn and apprehended him.
This is McDole’s and Aller’s first and Timm’s second Lightning Bolt award.
Pauly also thanked Dispatcher Candie Cunningham who did a great job orchestrating communications during the incident and Moore who was involved in the case, but not the recovery of the stolen vehicle and subject.
Pauly said, “Congratulations to all these officers. The Tiffin Police Department and this Community are proud of you and grateful for the excellent public service you provide to the residents of Tiffin.”
Mayor Aaron Montz echoed those statements, “Congratulations to all of those officers who were recognized for their commitment to our community. These awards are well-deserved.”
Original source can be found here.
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