Award winners for 2019 announced

On Sept. 10, the Sioux City Police Department held a ceremony to recognize officers and civilians for their achievements and accomplishments during the year. The following employees were recognized.

Officer of the Year: Officer Carl Ragar Civilian of the Year: Erica Vickery

Achievement Award: Sgt. Jake Noltze Distinguished Services: Carissa Roach

Chief’s Commendation: Heather Albrecht Distinguished Service: All Employees

Lifesaving Award: Officers Dan Hutton, Nathan Niehus, Mackenzie Neely, Alan Schmeckpeper, Dylan Grimsley, and Lieutenant Judy Kellen

Community Policing Award: Officers Jeffrey Demetri, Brady Beach, Anthony Vondrak, Brennan Gill, Brad Echter, Nick Thompson, Angela Kolker, Donette Sassman, Sergeants Jim Clark, Scott Hatting, Bill Melville, and Lieutenant Kevin Heineman

Chief’s Citation: John Ackerman and Dean Burger

Chief’s Appreciation Award: Jack Hagerty, Marc Wheeldon, Adam Wheeldon, and Sioux City McDonalds

The following are the details for those awards.

Employee Awards

Officer of the Year – Carl Ragar

Carl Ragar, displayed initiative and dependability in excess of the norm in this last year. His integrity, command presence, and top-notch professionalism has earned him a position on the highly recognized SCPD Honor Guard, Carl is a Field Training Officer and he consistently displays his skill as an excellent communicator with the ability to elicit interest, enthusiasm, drive, and energy using a common-sense approach to his training of new recruits. His tenacity for the job and willingness to do whatever it takes to conclude his investigations is a great learning opportunity for young officers. Carl exhibits exceptional officer safety skill and demands the same from his recruits in the FTO program. He routinely stops at local motels and checks to see who’s checked in and runs their names for warrants and drug history’s. With that he has made numerous arrests for drugs and other crimes he is investigating. Carl continues to be one of the leaders in traffic stops per month and with his outgoing personality, creates a positive opportunity to interact with the public. These extras that Carl does daily sets him apart from other officers. For Car there is no such thing a routine investigation. He takes every case seriously no matter how minor and investigates it until he makes an arrest. He works tirelessly on every investigation not stopping until every rock has been overturned. When dealing with domestic calls and other crisis situations, Carl’s demeanor and command presence consistently diffuse and deescalate situations. Over the course of 5 months Carl was the lead investigator in a marijuana drug investigation which identified other suspects and documented the coming and going of parties distributing large quantities of drugs. Carl’s reputation on this department as a hardworking, motivated officer is not questioned. He brings a strong work ethic every day to work while always being prepared for the unexpected. His attitude may be more than anything sets him apart from others. His willingness to assist any officer, for any reason without question, makes him unique. Carl is admired by his fellow officers, and his dedication to the department and the City of Sioux City is recognized by everyone. He is truly deserving of the title of “Officer of the Year.”

Civilian of the Year – Erica Vickery

Erica Vickery has been an outstanding asset to the Investigative Services Bureau as the Administrative Assistant. Erica was instrumental in the training of the new hired administrative secretary in the drug task force. Erica took on the role of being the chief’s administrative assistant backup for filing critical personnel orders and other administrative documents. Erica was asked by Human Resources Department to be the Police Department NEOGOV representative handling all new hire, promotions, outside hiring advertising, and posting and receiving of electronic applications. Erica assisted the Citizens Academy leadership team with administrative paperwork and mailings. Erica was our go to administrative secretary for many other duties during the early stages of the Covid-19 sickness when almost all other civilian administrative positions where struggling with Coronavirus. Erica was also willing and ready to assist the police department in hiring and training her replacement as the administrative secretary of investigations. In her efforts to advance her area, she converted many documents and processes to electronic folders, and transitioned the investigations monthly report into one flowing easy to read document. Erica innovated and changed how things were done in investigations, and did so without being prompted. Although Erica accepted a new job and left the police department, she desires to be recognized as being the 2019 - 2020 Civilian of the Year!

Achievement Award – Sergeant Jake Noltze

Sgt. Noltze served as an acting sergeant prior to his June 2019 promotion. Sgt. Noltze was asked to serve as the department’s K9 Program Coordinator, where he oversees all the department K9 activities including dog and handler training, purchasing, report writing, recruitment and certifications. As one of the most knowledgeable K9 trainers in the area, he also aids neighboring LE agencies (WCSO, Plymouth County SO, and Le Mars) with their K9 training program and operations. In addition to the tasks of suspect tracking, apprehension, and drug detection, Sgt. Noltze ensures the K9 unit is actively involved in the department’s community team policing mission. Sgt. Noltze and his team are regularly involved with K-9 demonstrations that are positive community policing outreach efforts. Noltze also integrated K9 involvement into the Life Academy program that is directed to working with special needs children. Sgt. Noltze and K9 partner Odin were featured in the NTOA “Tactical Edge” magazine for a K9 deployment during a SWAT call that ended up saving the life of a suicidal suspect. Sgt. Noltze regularly spends his time and resources away from work attending additional outside training that he unselfishly and unhesitatingly brings back to the department. He completed two rigorous training school to become a NEPOPO instructor, and paid for the training out of his own pocket. Since Sergeant Noltze's completion and certification, he has passed on his learnings and in depth understanding of NEPOPO to his K-9 unit here at the Sioux City Police Dept. The knowledge passed on and taught by Sergeant Noltze to his K9 handlers is invaluable, and assures our K-9 Unit will remain on the cutting edge of training and techniques. Because of Sergeant Noltze's dedication to the SCPD K-9 Unit, and his efforts to go above and beyond in his quest for excellence, he has truly earned the department’s Achievement Award.

Distinguished Service Award – Carissa Roach

As the supervisor if the ID Bureau, Carissa is committed and dedicated to the department, and is always looking for ways to improve her unit. During the past year the ID unit underwent some significant challenges. In April one of the ID technicians was seriously injured and unable to work for several months. This caused a hardship for the entire unit. Even though Carissa is a salaried employee and in not eligible for overtime, Carissa worked numerous shifts and callouts to relieve her already overworked team. Just as it seemed that the unit would be fully staffed, one of the technicians resigned due to other opportunities. Carissa worked through the process with HR to hire another technician to hire a new ID Tech and train that person. Again, Carissa worked many hours without compensation to relieve the burden on some of the other technicians. As if all of this wasn’t enough, during the Covid-19 Crisis, the property room technician unexpectedly decided to retire. This individual also assisted with call-out duties. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, hiring has been delayed again requiring Carissa to assist with callouts and weekends. Carissa displayed dedication to furthering the mission of the Department and the ID Unit. She has given selflessly of her time, during three separate times of staffing crisis. She is truly deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.

Chief’s Commendation – Heather Albrecht

Over the course of the last year, Officer Albrecht has been extremely pro-active in and around her district making numerous felony and federal cases by taking the time to investigate criminal acts that were affecting the citizens of Sioux City. This includes a significant drug case worked with her fellow teammates on the shift. By taking these extra steps and utilizing her past experiences in investigations, Heather has gone above and beyond her expectations as an officer. Her attitude, motivation and drive set her apart from other officers and is a shining example of what can be accomplished by putting forth a strong effort every day. Heather carries this motivation through in her position as a Field Training Officer, Member of the Honor Guard, and department instructor. Heather is quick to lend a hand when and wherever needed and will volunteer without hesitation. During the past year Heather not only displayed exemplary efforts in drug cases, but also worked tirelessly to clear multiple burglary and theft cases of note. Her experience as a crimes against persons detective was also apparent as she served as the primary officer on an Attempted Murder/Robbery case involving dangerous suspects. And while Heather displays considerable criminal investigations skills, she also understands the need for positive community policing efforts.  She was actively involved in working with local apartment complexes that were experiencing issues, and frequently conducted walk-throughs and enforcement efforts to better conditions at the location. There are countless other incidents where Officer Albrecht assists her fellow officers, and helping to build cases for others. As an FTO she is actively teaching young officers how to build cases by giving them some crucial experiences that they would not normally receive in the training process. Her willingness to assist others along with her own personal motivations sets her apart from other officers and proves why she is deserving of the Chief’s Commendation.

Lifesaving Award Lt. Judy Kellen and Officer Dan Hutton

On September 7, 2019, Officer Dan Hutton was called to 1716 Nebraska St. for a medical call. He was met at the door by a frantic complainant. He was taken to apartment 204. Upon entry, he observed a male party bleeding on the floor. A bystander was attempting to put pressure to the wound with limited success. Officer Hutton requested additional officers to assist in providing lifesaving measures to the injured party. Lt. Kellen and other officers arrived on scene. Officer Hutton kept talking to the male party to keep him conscious, Lt. Kellen applied her tourniquet to the male party's left arm with Officer Hutton’s assistance. Shortly after the ambulance arrived, officers assisted medical personal in getting the victim to awaiting medical transport to receive critical care. Without the quick efforts of these officers, the victim may not have had the positive outcome. They are truly deserving of the Lifesaving Award.

Life Saving Award — Nathan Niehus, Mackenzie Neely, Alan Schmeckpeper, and Dylan Grimsley

On January 31st, 2020, officers were on an unrelated traffic stop in the 1100 block of McDonald Street and overheard several gun shots coming from the south. Officers called this out over the radio and informed others who were in the area. Officers then began to check the area and while doing so Detective Nathan Niehus observed a subject lying on the ground in Cook Park with several people standing around him. Detective Niehus advised Dispatch and requested and ambulance at his location. Detective Niehus observed a male subject holding a sweatshirt over what appeared to be a bleeding chest wound on the victim. Detective. Niehus then began to assess the extent of the victim’s injuries. Within seconds Officer Mackenzie Neely had arrived on scene to assist Detective Niehus along with Detective’s Alan Schmeckpeper and Dylan Grimsley. Officers worked diligently to determine what wounds the victim had and where they were located on his body. Detective’s Niehus and Grimsley began checking for a pulse and could not find one. All officers on scene observed a lifeless victim that was not breathing. Detectives Niehus and Grimsley located two front chest wounds that appeared to be from bullet holes. As Detective. Niehus and Detective Grimsley were checking for wounds, both Officer Neely and Detective Alan Schmeckpeper where gathering medical supplies for the victim. The officers applied chest seals to the visible chest wounds and then began CPR. Detective Niehus gave rescue breaths and Detective Grimsley began chest compressions. Officers continued CPR until the paramedics arrived on scene to relieve them and transport the victim to the hospital. It was later learned that one of the bullets had nicked the heart and was causing blood to clot around the heart. The quick response time shown by officers to address the injuries and administer First Aid and CPR saved the life of this individual. The victim was later rushed into surgery where he survived his injuries. These officers are to be commended for their quick efforts to save the life of an individual.

Community Policing Award — Officers Brady Beach, Anthony Vondrak, Brennan Gill and Jeffery Demetri

In March of 2020, the Governor of Iowa issued a proclamation closing much of the state. This significantly affected the traffic count and flow within the city. Members of the STEP Unit were asked to initiate some project ideas outside of their normal duties. During the week of April 13-17, Officers identified 166 locations that contained graffiti that had not previously been reported. Officer took the initiative to contact property owners to have the graffiti removed. On April 27 and 28, Officers initiated a roadside trash clean-up project in which they collected approximately 50 bags of trash and larger items from six highly visible locations throughout the city. These locations included Transit Avenue, Floyd Blvd, Perry Creek Trail, Lincoln Way, Gordon Drive and Houlihan Run. The efforts of these Officers, working as a team, distinguished themselves by exemplifying service to the community and delivered a positive image of the Department while enhancing the community's quality of life. These actions embody the Department's Mission Statement and commitment to community team policing.

Community Policing Award – Lt. Kevin Heineman, Sergeant Scott Hatting, Sergeant Bill Melville, Officer Angela Kolker, Officer Nick Thompson

In early 2019, Officer Nick Thompson presented to the command staff an idea to re-institute a Bike Patrol Program for the Sioux City Police Department. Thompson met with Albrecht’s Cycle on several occasions identifying and specking out equipment for the program and researching other departments to see how they ran their programs. Under the guidance of Lt. Kevin Heineman, he also met with HUD and coordinated getting the bids sent out for the equipment requested. Having experience in bike patrol operations Officer Angela Kolker, along with Sergeants Bill Melville and Scott Hatting began working as a committee under the supervision of Lt. Kevin Heineman. Officers attended patrol officer bicycle course to learn the proper skills needed to operating bicycles in multiple environments, and brought those skills back to the department to create a 4-hour bike training program for officers. The officers on this committee also played an active role in creating the department policy for the program along with identifying the equipment and clothing needed for a successful unit. Officer Angela Kolker assisted in setting up the training program, created the unit documentation, and prepared equipment for deployment. Angela also researched bike rodeo programs that can be used at future events. Using a bicycle is a great tool to interact with the community in a positive manner, in furtherance of our Community Policing philosophy. This unit also allows officers to more closely interact with members of the community without the barrier of a vehicle and effectively patrol city facilities and walking trails where traditional vehicle access is limited. It also allows us to promote bicycle safety throughout the community through education and example. During the first month of operation, bikers put in 55 hours of bike time, rode 220 miles, and made contact with approximately 1,413 citizens. Officers spent time riding through local college areas, riding the Perry Creek Trail, through city parks, and the downtown business district during peak hours. The work of these officers led to more community partnerships along with increased positive community interaction. The officers involved in this committee should be commended for their efforts to revive an old community policing tool that enhances our ability to respond to community issues. They are to be commended for their Community Policing efforts.

Community Policing Award – Officer Brad Echter.

Detective Brad Echter took his position as an Honor Guard member to promote community policing and the SCPD itself in a very positive way. Brad played a significant role in coordinating the SCPD Honor Guard presence at the Al Haynes funeral in Washington in October of 2019. This significant event represented our agency in a very significant way in our Nation’s Capital He also coordinated Law Enforcement Appreciation Night hosted by the Sioux City Explorers at Mercy One Field in Sioux City on July 19th, 2019. Detective Echter undertook significant effort and spent considerable time planning, organizing and executing an event that would honor area Law Enforcement officers while bringing together members of community. The event was attended by members of the SCPD, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, North Sioux City Police Department, South Sioux City Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, and others. As part of the event planning, Detective Echter made arrangements for the departments that were involved to bring and present ceremonial vehicles to greet those arriving to the park. For the opening ceremony, Echter arranged for the display of an American flag that was so large it needed to be displayed by a crane. Echter also coordinated a multi-agency honor guard to present the colors before the game was to be played, while the anthem was sung. Before the game, the names of fallen law enforcement officers were read, and honorary first pitch was thrown out by officers that had been injured in the line of duty. Players from the Explorers team would suit up in uniforms made just for the event. This event would serve to educate and remind the citizens about the dangers confronting law enforcement officers that serve their communities. This event was also an enjoyable venue for all to spend time together and build positive and lasting relationships. Brad’s work to honor special occasions and present law enforcement in a very positive light is truly deserving of the department’s Community Policing Award.

Community Policing Award – Donette Sassman

 In May of 2019, Officer Donette Sassman presented the idea of creating window cling stickers that could be applied to car, business, or residential windows that would identify those members of our community that have a disability that would make it difficult for them to respond or communicate with first responders. Donette contacted Mark Aesoph of the Sioux City Fire Department and created a partnership to both create and fund the project. Prototypes of four different stickers identifying deaf, diabetic, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and autism/special needs were created and sent out for production. After receiving the final product, Donette assisted with distribution of the stickers to the appropriate agencies; and participated in press conferences to get the word out to those that may benefit. Her efforts to recognize the needs of individuals with disabilities in our community is appreciated, and truly deserving of recognition.

Distinguished Service — All employees

In the spring of 2020, the worldwide pandemic caused by the Covid – 19 virus caused a dramatic and challenging changes to law enforcement work. Unlike private businesses or providers who simply close their doors during times of crisis, the essential service providers with the Sioux City Police Department continued to provide crucial public safety services during this time. At great personal risk to themselves and their families, they traveled to their assigned duties, and interacted with the public and their co-workers, potentially exposing themselves to a highly contagious and sometimes deadly virus. The Distinguished service award is given to staff under the following circumstances “Awarded for an act that evidenced highly commendable conduct or judgment by the recipient in the performance of duty; such as selfless dedication to duty during a prolonged time of crisis or emergency.” Now more than ever in SCPD history, this award is particularly meaningful as a worldwide crisis reaches our doors. The health and economic impact will no doubt severely challenge our community for years to come. Yet even during this time, all our dedicated employees continued to act in their roles of public servants. While there will likely be various important and selfless acts of valor by our staff, the response to this crisis was clearly a team effort deserving of recognition. Regardless of the duration or outcome of this crisis, the SCPD staff was there for the citizens of Sioux City, and are very deserving of the distinguished service award.

Citizen Awards

Chief’s Appreciation Award, - Adam Wheeldon, Marc Wheeldon and the local Siouxland McDonalds staff

In 2014, Sgt. Jason Allen approached command staff about expanding our community policing efforts by facilitating the “Coffee With a Cop “program in Sioux City. After several local events, Adam Wheeldon of McDonald’s of Siouxland contacted Sgt. Allen in 2016 to expand this program to multiple McDonald’s locations in Sioux City to coincide with National Coffee with a Cop Day. The event was largely attended and created excellent public relations for both McDonald’s of Siouxland and the Police Department. In 2017, Adam Wheeldon again reached out to Sgt. Allen to discuss ways to increase the impact of Coffee with a Cop and reach the most citizens city-wide. Adam, his father Marc and the McDonalds staff became valuable community partners as this program was expanded to all restaurant locations In Sioux City. The event continues to be very popular with citizens and officers, and led to expanded opportunities for citizen interaction.  McDonald’s of Siouxland has been steadfast in their continued support of the Sioux City Police Department’s community policing efforts and their effort and commitment should be commended. The body of work and resources they have provided over the past 6 years exemplifies the type of public/private partnerships that facilitate the successful continuance of these types of programs. Adam Wheeldon (Director of Operations) and his father Mark Wheeldon (Owner of all Sioux City McDonalds) should be commended for their support of community initiatives that bring citizens and the police together.

Chief’s Appreciation Award – Jack Haggerty

On May 4th, Jack Haggerty came to police headquarters to speak about issues he was observing in the in a westside neighborhood. Mr. Haggerty noticed that there was a fair amount of foot traffic at a nearby house, and some appeared to be delivering bags of unknown items. Suspecting that drugs were being dealt from the location, he began to take note of individuals and vehicle plates to assist police in investigating the incident. As patrol officers began the investigation, it was discovered that a drug dealer with an extensive criminal history was associating with the residence. As officer began watching the residence, Mr. Haggerty actively passed on real-time intelligence of what he was observing. He even allowed a video surveillance camera to be placed on his property to provide additional evidence of illegal activity. After a four-month investigation, patrol officers and SIU investigators obtained several search warrants for residences and vehicles. The search warrant yielded over 64 pounds of marijuana, and 17000 dollars in cash. The involved suspects were arrested and charged with several drug felonies. This investigation would not have been successful had it not been for the cooperation and assistance of Mr. Haggerty. His extraordinary cooperation and personal effort to clean up his neighborhood is an excellent example of service to his community, and deserving of recognition.

Chief’s Citation Award - John Ackerman, Dean Burger

In July 2019, individuals had just begun a round of golf at Deer Run Golf Course. The golfers were playing the third hole at the course. John Ackerman and his fellow golfer, Dean Burger, were playing with these individuals, and noticed that one of them was now laying on the ground and was unresponsive. Unknown to the other golfers, the individual in crisis had just suffered a heart attack. Luckily, his two golf partners, Ackerman and Burger, were certified in CPR and First Aid. Instinct led both Burger and Ackerman to immediately run to Dick’s aid and begin administering CPR. The duo continued to perform CPR on their friend until the ambulance arrived. The cardiologist treating the heart attack victim installed a pacemaker the next day, and indicated that if it weren’t for the quick action of his golf partners beginning CPR the victim would not be alive. The cardiac victim was miraculously able to be back on the golf course the following week, and indicated his gratitude to the golf partners who saved his life. He also considers them both his guardian angels. These gentlemen are to be commended by their efforts to seek training, so that they could serve their fellow citizens in times of critical emergencies. They are truly worthy of the Chief’s Citation Award.