By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Using GPS tracking on phones to recover stolen merchandise and vehicles. Pulling trace evidence from the inside of a driver door’s handle to identify a suspect. Risking their lives by entering into the flood waters of Buck Creek to save a civilian. Making sure a vulnerable resident has a safe place to stay at a local hotel.

These were the stories – the ones often not told – that were shared at the annual Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony last week as the department recognized about 80 officers and civilians for their actions in crime prevention, recovery, and rescue.

“In light of all the events that have taken place over the past few years that have impacted not only our profession but our personal lives, I think it is more important than ever that we celebrate each other,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster. “It is imperative that we acknowledge all of the accomplishments of our fellow police officers and firefighters. We can not let the stories of our compassionate service and heroic actions go untold. The work we do matters and it does make a difference.”

An officer whose work certainly has made a difference is that of Officer Brady Heckman. A five-year veteran on the force, Heckman received a number of accolades, including a certificate of merit and individual commendation for his work in locating illegally possessed firearms, taking violent criminals off the streets, and his care for victims. For his dedication, Heckman, who is a field training officer, a tackle bike team member, and operator on the tack team, was named the 2021 Officer of the Year, which is chosen by a panel of sworn officers.

“Heckman has earned a reputation as an outstanding police professional with a keen ability for catching criminals and a heart for serving this community,” said Capt. Timothy Pols who with Fire Deputy Chief Dennis Vantassell served as master of ceremonies. “He is valued by co-workers and supervisors alike as a consistent teamplayer. He is an outstanding representative of the law enforcement profession in general and the Wyoming Police Department in particular.”

From his peers, it was noted that Heckman “makes being proactive a priority and sets an example for young officers to do the same,” as well as for his work in locating stolen vehicles, seeking out criminals and making arrests, and volunteering to help new recruits.

The department’s civilian employees also form a panel to select a civilian of the year, which for 2021 is Celia Rhodes. Rhodes, who has served as a forensic science technician with the department for four and half years, has become an expert in evidence storage and operating the BEAST (Bar Coded Evidence Analysis Statistical Tracking) evidence management system.

“Celia is well known and respected for her upbeat attitude and true passion for helping others in need,” Pols said. “No matter what she is working on, Celia never turns away from aiding someone else, whether it be explaining policy or procedure to a fellow employee or talking to a citizen about their case. She always does so with a smile and genuine care for whomever she is working with.”

Another officer recognized for his investigation work on child sexual abuse was Det. Dan Vlietstra, who received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence. For the past two years, Viletstra has been the department’s liaison with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, where he works with a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the investigation of abuse allegations.

“Through his work, Dan has been able to stop the abuse, identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and support the victim and their family on a path of recovery and healing,” Koster said.

Also receiving the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence were Fire Inspector Brad Dornbos, Lt. Chris Velzen, Equipment Operator (EO) Brandon Travis, and firefighter (FF) Matt Frazee, for their work in recruiting, interviewing and training new firefighters.

Also honored was Mayor Jack Poll, who received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his dedication to the Public Safety Department during the past 13 years he has served as the city’s mayor. Poll will retire from public service at the end of this year.

“I have lived in Wyoming now for 67 years and I can tell you that I have never gone to bed at night that I was concerned about my safety because we have such stellar leaders in our community,” Poll said.

Koster said what was presented at the recognition ceremony is only the tip of the iceberg as to what officers and firefighters have done.

“There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me a story about a way a police officer or a firefighter has served them in a capacity that amazed them,” Koster said. “There are a lot of stories that officers don’t tell about what police officers do and firefighters who go above and beyond.”


Award Recipients

Life Saving Award

Ofc. Tony Jacob

Ofc. Russ Kamstra

Lt. Chris Velzen

EO Bradley Bennett

EO Brian Ilbrink

EO Tom Marsman

FF Ken Eppink

FF Matt Frazee

FF Jason Hanlon

FF Andrew Johnson

FF Michele Kelly

FF Jesse May

FF Alex Parsons

FF Dan Rettig

FF Jason Richardson

FF Dan Royce

Certificate of Merit

Sgt. Julie Haverkamp

Sgt. Corey Walendzik

Det. Aaron Gray

Ofc. Jake Bylsma

Ofc. Jason Caster

Ofc. Marc Donker

Ofc. Aaron Freeman

Ofc. Brady Heckman

Ofc. Rus Kamstra

Ofc. Ryan Patterson

Ofc. Daniel Sanderson

Ofc. Blair Shellenbarger

Ofc. Adam Sherman

Ofc. John Westra

Ofc. Logan Wieber

Ofc. Tyler Zbikowski

EO Tom Marsman

FF Zach Johns

FF Matt Young

United Commendation
Accident Investigation Team

Lt. Mark Easterly

Sgt. Aaron Brooks

Det. Rachel Clore

Det. Dan Vlietstra

Ofc. Jen Eby

Ofc. Pam Keen

Ofc. Erich Staman

Field Training Officer

Ofc. Marc Donker

Ofc. Kelsey Eisen

Ofc. Brady Heckman

Civilian Commendations

Ian Carmichael

Richard Hungerford

Tom Norton (WKTV)

Individual Commendation

Cpt. Eric Wiler

Lt. Brian Look

Sgt. Aaron Brooks

Sgt. Andrew Koeller

Sgt. Michael Nachtegall

Ofc. Christian Bomer

Ofc. Anthonee Carringer

Ofc. Jason Caster

Ofc. Kelsey Eisen

Ofc. Gavin Filkins

Ofc. Eric Grunewald

Ofc. Brady Heckman

Ofc. Ben Hecksel

Ofc. Zachary Jackson

Ofc. Brandon Knowling

Ofc. Chad Lynn

Ofc. Kesha McConaha-Schultz

Ofc. Shad McGinnis

Ofc. Ryan Patterson

Ofc. Scott Rittenger

Ofc. Dan Sanderson

Ofc. Adam Sherman

Ofc. Jack Tromp

Ofc. Logan Wieber

Julie Coon

Kasey Kaufmann

Todd Masula

Monzerrat Perez

Marcy Schaller

Outstanding Police Administrative Service Award

Kate Gardner

Top Shot Award

Ross Eagan