• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Police department ceremony honors officers, citizens

Photo

Scott Katzenmeyer

Photo

Sean Jauch

Photo

Robin Butson

Photo

Chad Pearson

Photo

Todd Radloff

JANESVILLE — The Janesville Police Department on Thursday night honored employees and Janesville residents at its annual awards ceremony. Here are the winners, according to a news release from the Janesville Police Department:

Officer Scott Katzenmeyer, Chief's Commendation

A 24-year-old man was in diving position on his heels on the edge of the Centerway Dam when Officer Scott Katzenmeyer and a Janesville Police Department sergeant got to the scene.

The man had climbed an 8-foot fence to get to the pier that overhangs the spillway. Katzenmeyer jumped the fence and started talking to the distraught man. From previous contacts, Katzenmeyer knew the man's mother. He called her and got the two talking on a cellphone.

While the man was distracted, Katzenmeyer and the sergeant wrestled him to the ground and safety.

Officer Sean Jauch, Officer of the Year

Officer Sean Jauch has worked as a second shift patrol officer for the department since 1988. In addition to his regular duties, he coordinates the Chaplains program, is in charge of the police department shooting range and helps coordinate department firearms training. He often dedicates his own time to make sure the added responsibilities are complete.

Robin Butson, Civilian Employee of the Year

Robin Butson is the senior-most records clerk for the department with more than 24 years of experience.

Butson handles the majority of the department's open records requests, which is a tedious job that often includes explaining the state's open records law to frustrated city residents.

Sgt. Chad Pearson, Award of Excellence

Sergeant Chad Pearson last year volunteered to lead the police department's digital radio system upgrade. He started with minimal knowledge of the complicated system and became involved and knowledgeable in all aspects of the upgrade.

Pearson also developed a radio training program for officers. He did all this during a time when the department was short-staffed and Pearson often was the only supervisor during his shift.

Officer Todd Radloff, Problem-Oriented Policing Award

Enforcing intoxicated-driving laws is a priority for the Janesville Police Department, and officer Todd Radloff has made it a priority for himself. For the last two years, he has led the department in OWI arrests. He made 56 in 2011 and 75 in 2012, according to department records.

"He has gone above and beyond what is asked of our officers in this area," the release states.

Janesville Area CrimeStoppers,

Law Enforcement Services Award: Business

Janesville Area Crime Stoppers recently got new software that has helped the organization go from getting 120-150 tips per year to more than 600 tips in 2012.

CrimeStoppers also funds the Quick 50 program in the Janesville School District and recently installed a television at the Rock County Courthouse. On the television, visitors see a constant stream of photos and information about people wanted by police. CrimeStoppers buys equipment and promotional items for the department.

In 2012, Janesville CrimeStoppers received 606 tips that led to 94 arrests, the recovery of $4,000 in stolen property and the seizure of drugs valued at more than $29,000.

Law Enforcement Service Award: Citizens

Burdette Erickson, Charlette Galster and pharmacist Jennifer Snow.