Some of the awards recognize officers who saved lives or put themselves in physical danger. Others acknowledge accomplishments that have made Wisconsin’s public services more efficient and effective to meet WisDOT’s goal of highway safety.
“The State Patrol embodies the highest standards of professionalism and service. Those employees who’ve gone above and beyond to patrol our state’s highways, develop safety initiatives and streamline services are indispensable,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said.
Every year, award recipients are nominated by their peers who appreciate their dedication to the division’s values. Sworn officers and civilian employees are honored across all sections of the division of State Patrol.
“We all share the pride in our hearts as we recognize the exceptional individuals who have carried out their duties under extraordinary circumstances. Through these acts and achievements, you have made Wisconsin a safer and better place,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Anthony Burrell said.
Secretary Thompson and Superintendent Burrell were joined by Governor Tony Evers during a virtual awards ceremony Thursday evening to recognize the award recipients.
“Whether enforcing our traffic laws and sharing information about the importance of safe driving, developing new transportation initiatives and services, helping folks get to work safely each day, or keeping traffic and the freight that our state’s key industries depend on flowing, State Patrol employees play a critical role in the safety of our people, our communities, and our state every day,” Gov. Evers said.
The annual awards ceremony was presented on Facebook.
More information about the awards recipients and their work is in the ceremony program and below.
Photos of the recipients are available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1byKGuyNKkPGauMb2maP3W_Op2EKDxxED
Lifesaving Award
| Officer | Post |
| Inspector Teresa Burchard | DeForest |
| Trooper Matthew Chambers | Tomah |
| Trooper Cody Digre | Tomah |
| Trooper Cameron Doute | Fond du Lac |
| Trooper Philip Goldman | Eau Claire |
| Trooper Joshua Helmer | Fond du Lac |
| Trooper Daniel Hester | Fond du Lac |
| Trooper Christina Holtz | Tomah |
| Trooper Carson Konkol | Tomah |
| Trooper George Negron | Wausau |
| Trooper Kevin Powell | Fond du Lac |
| Trooper Daniel Restrepo | Wausau |
| Trooper Ryan Roth | Eau Claire |
| Trooper Christopher Saraniecki | Spooner |
| Trooper Kory Schultz | Fond du Lac |
| Inspector Joseph Stephens | Waukesha |
Lifesaving Effort Award
| Officer | Post |
| Inspector Teresa Burchard | DeForest |
| Trooper Danny Daniels | Waukesha |
| Trooper Jeffrey Hoffman | DeForest |
| Inspector Brandon Howell | Wausau |
| Trooper Robert Liddell | Eau Claire |
| Trooper David Meredith | Wausau |
| Trooper Zachary Mulholland | Spooner |
| Trooper Daniel Restrepo | Eau Claire |
| Trooper Kyle Scott | Wausau |
| Trooper Trevin Szulczewski | Wausau |
| Trooper Robert Unruh | Eau Claire |
Unit Citation
Special Recognition
| Award | Award recipient | Post |
| Commendable Service | Jessica Bader | Headquarters |
| Commendable Service | Lt. Col. David Fish | Headquarters |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper David Heinisch | Waukesha |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Alexander Polizzi | Waukesha |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Cody Rahn | Waukesha |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Ryan Roth | Eau Claire |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Briant Russell | DeForest |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Keegan Williams | Waukesha |
| Innovation and Excellence | Section Chief David Harvey | Headquarters |
| Innovation and Excellence | Darlene Schwartz | Headquarters |
| Innovation and Excellence | Lt. Daniel Steele | Retired |
| Innovation and Excellence | Laura Vande Hey | Headquarters |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper Scott Darin | Waukesha |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper Christina Holtz | Tomah |
| Superintendent’s Commendation (2) | Trooper Justin Temperly | DeForest |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper Logan Christel | Fond du Lac |
| Superintendent’s Star of Recognition | Sgt. John Heffernan | Retired |
Employees of the Year
| Award | Award recipient | Post |
| Dispatcher of the Year | Dispatcher Colleen Keough | Fond du Lac |
| Inspector of the Year | Inspector Josh Maurer | Eau Claire |
| Civilian Employee of the Year | Investigator Paul Schilling | Headquarters |
| Trooper of the Year | Trooper Allen Vick | Waukesha |
