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
