- Monday April 13th, 2015 :: 04:13 p.m. EDT
Four Indianapolis Troopers Honored at Awards Ceremony
Four Indianapolis Troopers Honored at Awards Ceremony
Indianapolis – Friday afternoon, April 10th, the Indiana State Police Department held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishments that all too often go without the proper recognition. Ninety employees of the Indiana State Police Department, from around the state, were honored for their dedication to service, bravery, devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana. Four troopers assigned to the Indiana State Police Indianapolis Post were recognized at the ceremony.
Trooper Scott Probasco received the District DUI Award and 2014 Life Award DUI. The District DUI award was presented to Trooper Probasco for his efforts in removing 61 impaired and intoxicated motorists from Indiana’s roadways. Trooper Probasco also ranked as one of the top 5 troopers in the state in the number of DUI’s earning him the 2014 Life Award DUI. Probasco is a six year veteran and an Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Officer with the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad.
Trooper Andrew Forgey received the Trooper of the District Award for the Indianapolis Post. Forgey received this award for his outstanding efforts in the areas of traffic and criminal enforcement, case and crash investigations, public information programs and community service. He exemplifies the professionalism and integrity expected of an Indiana State Trooper. Forgey is a seven year veteran and works well with his community, local, county police and his fellow troopers.
Trooper Shane Cunningham received the Commendation Award which is given to an employee or citizen for extraordinary and exemplary professionalism.
On November 22, 2014, the Greenwood Police Department responded to the Featherstone subdivision on the report of a suicidal male with a gun. This male had contacted On Star from inside his truck and informed On Star that he was going to kill himself by means of a firearm. The suicidal male gave instructions for the Greenwood Police Department not to respond and stated that he would kill himself if he saw a police vehicle in the area. The suicidal male informed the On Star representative that he wanted to speak to his neighbor, Trooper Shane Cunningham, and advised On Star that Trooper Cunningham was the only person that he would speak with. A detective with the Greenwood Police Department went to the residence of Trooper Cunningham and informed him of the situation. Trooper Cunningham immediately made contact with the suicidal subject by telephone and spoke with him for several minutes. The suicidal male was very agitated and disconnected the call. The suicidal male then led Greenwood Police units on a short vehicle pursuit until he stopped and exited his vehicle while pointing a gun to his head. Trooper Cunningham responded to the scene and was able to speak to the suicidal male using his PA system. After several minutes of negotiations, the male surrendered peacefully without further incident. Trooper Cunningham’s actions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon himself and the Indiana State Police.
Trooper Aaron Allen received the Bronze Star Award. The Bronze Star Award is given for performance in duty and recognized having been performed at a level clearly beyond expectations. The deed must involve personal bravery and self-sacrifice to clearly distinguish the individual.
On August 4, 2014, Trooper Allen was traveling northbound on I-65 to the Lafayette District for his shift as the District Duty Officer. During this time, a flatbed wrecker was also northbound on I-65 within Trooper Allen's field of vision. The wrecker, driven by a white male, began to drift over onto the right shoulder and subsequently struck a semi-tractor trailer that was stopped in the emergency lane. Following the collision, the wrecker made a sharp turn to the left and rolled over onto its side rupturing the fuel tank and immediately catching fire. The crash investigation would later determine that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.
Trooper Allen stopped at the scene and ran to the front of the wrecker to check on the driver.
While this was occurring, the driver of the semi-tractor trailer retrieved his fire extinguisher to attempt to hold back the flames. Trooper Allen found the driver still in the cab of the overturned wrecker. The driver, who was five feet ten inches tall and weighing close to three hundred pounds, was still secured in his seatbelt and, due to the wrecker being on its side, could not get out of the truck on his own. Trooper Allen broke out the windshield with his expandable baton and extricated the driver from the wrecker just as the flames were reaching the cab. Fire equipment eventually arrived on scene to extinguish the fire, however, had it not been for Trooper Allen's actions, the driver probably would not have made it out of the cab alive before the entire vehicle became engulfed in flames.
Trooper Allen’s actions involved personal bravery and self-sacrifice at a level clearly beyond expectations. These actions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon himself and the Indiana State Police.
“These fine men represent what the Indiana State Police do every day and are fine examples of all the employees under my command at the Indianapolis Post.” stated Lt. Jeff Payne, commander of the Indianapolis Post. “I am proud to work with them.”
Photos of the troopers are included. Photo one is Trooper Scott Probasco. Photo two is Trooper Andrew Forgey. Photo three is Trooper Shane Cunningham. Photo four is Trooper Aaron Allen
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MYERS
Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52-Indianapolis, IN
8620 East 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 317-899-8577
Rich Myers
PIO
[email protected]
317-899-8577