Full Notification

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
JUSTIN D. STUBBENDICK
Officer Justin Stubbendick has been employed with the Janesville Police Department since 2011 and currently works second shift in the Street Crimes Unit. In addition, Officer Stubbendick is a Range Coordinator, Second Shift Range Officer, and a Sniper for the department’s SWAT team.

Officer Stubbendick researched and obtained bids for equipment that was needed for SWAT operations. The equipment has increased the effectiveness of night time operations not only on SWAT but also on patrol. The rifle suppressors have greatly reduced noise emanating from the rifles changing the decibel level to OSHA compliant standards.

Officer Stubbendick participates in the Drug Endangered Children program where he founded the Rock County sub­committee. He continues to dedicate himself to new training ideas in deadly and non-deadly force techniques and bringing those lessons to the police department to improve the quality of training and increase officer and citizen safety. He coordinated nationally recognized trainers to come into our department to provide current, relevant training.

Officer Stubbendick learned of a 5 year old boy by the name of Isaac Johnson who has a rare form of cancer. Isaac loves superheroes and police officers so Officer Stubbendick purchased a banner for Isaac having all of the officers sign it. Officer Stubbendick continues to check in on Isaac and gives members of the police department updates on his status. Officer Stubbendick collected donations and purchased Christmas presents for Isaac.

Officer Stubbendick has not only embodied what it means to be a good police officer by his dedication, drive, compassion and leadership but his actions exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement.


CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
LYNN M. GODDING
Ms. Lynn Godding has been employed since 2016 as a part time records clerk in the Records Division. She has exemplified a strong work ethic, evidenced by enthusiasm, cooperation and flexibility. She volunteers for any extra work available, provides customer satisfaction with patience and congeniality, even in the most trying of circumstances. She has adapted and expanded her work hours to any times that are of benefit to the smooth operation of the Records Division.

During the past year on numerous occasions Ms. Godding has been asked to change or add to her normal working hours to fill vacancies or augment personnel when extra work was needed. She has taken on several new ongoing tasks previously fulfilled by other clerks or her supervisor.

Ms. Godding’s demeanor on the phone and at the front desk window is the definition of professionalism and patience. Police departments regularly deal with unhappy or unruly customers, and Ms. Godding handles all situations with composure and poise. Ms. Godding’s work ethic and attitude make the working environment more pleasant and productive. We are fortunate to have such a positive asset within our department.


AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
SERGEANT BRIAN S. VAUGHN
Sergeant Brian Vaughn has been employed with the Janesville Police Department since 1994. Sgt. Vaughn was promoted to Sergeant in 2006. Sergeant Brian Vaughn guided the police department through the accreditation process in 2017. Due to his leadership, the police department is accredited, assuring best practices through 2020. Sergeant Vaughn is the supervising officer responsible for the department’s Domestic Violence Intervention Team. The DVI Team provides safety and guidance for our victims of domestic violence. Sergeant Vaughn provides these services in addition to his daily responsibilities of a patrol sergeant on dayshift.


EXEMPLARY SERVICE CITATION
SERGEANT AARON L. DAMMEN
OFFICER JOSEPH R. SANOVICH
OFFICER JEREMY A. WILEY
On May 14, 2017 at approximately 0230 hours Officer Wiley was flagged down by a group of citizens while patrolling downtown. He was advised by the citizens that their friend had just gotten into a vehicle, and they had reason to suspect she was being held against her will.

The victim was in possession of her friend’s iPhone. Officer Wiley began gathering information on the location of the phone, including an electronic search for the cell phone and victim.

Sergeant Dammen, Officer Sanovich and Officer Biddick proceeded to the last known area of the cell phone, which was in the area of the 600 block of Kellogg. After checking a few apartment buildings the officers entered 647 Kellogg where they then heard a female screaming. The officers entered the apartment and located the victim in a bedroom of the apartment. The victim reported she had been sexually assaulted. The suspect was arrested for 3rd degree sexual assault.


PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING AWARD
SERGEANT JENNIFER K. WEHMAS
OFFICER DREW M. SEVERSON
In the spring of 2017, Officers Severson and Wehmas identified a group of juveniles that were creating issues in the 4th ward neighborhood. The officers identified the most at risk juveniles through social media, schools, and past reports. A list of these subjects with information about them and their guardians was distributed to patrol officers. It was recognized that the guardians were not actively caring for the children and they were often left to their own care. This information was forwarded to the appropriate social service agencies.

Information regarding the juveniles was forwarded to Juvenile Probation to ensure proper information sharing and adjudication of juveniles referred on criminal charges. The list of the involved juveniles was sent to the School District Safe Schools Committee to ensure that problems were properly addressed in the school environment.

The Officers arranged for a scholarship for five youth to attend a basketball camp at UW Rock County. Several males were enrolled in Youth Football with waived fees. Males interested in high school football were assisted with attending the proper medical exams to make them eligible to play. Several of the boys did not have football cleats or the resources to attain them. The officers arranged for Rogan’s Shoes to donate several pairs of football cleats.

The result of this work was a significant reduction in calls for service involving these Juveniles. Additionally, contacts with these children that were violent at the beginning of the summer have become friendly. These efforts are well beyond the normal expectation of duty and based on a determined and intelligent performance and in the highest spirit of the mission of the Janesville Police Department.


PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING AWARD
OFFICER CHRISTOPHER C. TERRELL
In 2017 Officer Christopher Terrell identified a local motel in his patrol area where 3rd shift patrol officers were frequently being dispatched to. The repeated calls for service took valuable time away from the area patrol officer to respond to other priority calls for service, crime prevention strategies, and from conducting traffic enforcement in the Milton Ave district.

Officer Terrell requested to begin a directed patrol at the motel. He reviewed calls for service and documented 124 non-officer initiated calls for service at the motel from 01/01/17 to 09/17/17. The calls for service varied by type but included Welfare checks, Drug complaints, and Thefts. Officer Terrell made an assessment of the issues occurring at the motel and developed an action plan to reduce overall calls for service. During the review, Officer Terrell recognized that many of the calls for service involved local Rock County residents as opposed to travelers.

The action plan was implemented in September of 2017. This initiative was designed to curb problems associated with local hotel guests and deter crime. During implementation of the action plan, Officer Terrell developed rapport with the hotel staff, provided an increased presence, and conducted regular security checks. From late September 2017 to the end of the year, non-officer initiated calls for service dropped significantly. The motel had only 27 non-officer initiated incidents. In the 4th quarter, after the action plan was implemented, Officer Terrell’s efforts showed almost a 35% reduction in calls for service at the motel.

During the directed patrol, Officer Terrell solidified a relationship between the Police Department and an area business, developed criminal intelligence, and has provided a safer environment for motel guests. The reduction in calls for service has allowed officers to be more proactive in the patrol area. Officer Terrell has seen a noticeable change at the motel and will continue his efforts there into 2018. His efforts have positively impacted the community and are commendable.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MR. JASON CULLINS
On November 21st, 2017, Mr. Jason Cullins was in his hotel room when he heard a commotion in the hallway and saw two people struggling over a gun. Without hesitation (not even to get fully dressed) he sprinted to the two people and was able to get control of the gun. Even though he saw the magazine drop out of the gun he knew there may be a round in the chamber so he pointed it in a safe direction and worked the action in an effort to eject the live round.

Mr. Cullins’ good deed was not done at that point. He knew someone needed to call 911 but he did not want to leave the two people involved in the struggle. He was able to get the attention of the hotel staff by banging on the window overlooking the hotel lobby. He was extremely helpful when the police did arrived, providing a full account of what happened. Mr. Cullins’ quick thinking and bravery probably saved lives that night.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MS. TERRY LEMKE
Ms. Terry Lemke has been a volunteer for over two years at the Janesville Police Department. She comes in to the police department at least once or twice a week and checks LeadsOnline. LeadsOnline is a web based system that tracks property that is pawned or sold at resale shops. Ms. Lemke systematically goes through property that is reported stolen to the Police Department and compares the property to the property that is entered into LeadsOnline by the resale shops. Because of her efforts she has helped recover numerous pieces of stolen property and identify suspects which have led to arrests.

On January 9th, 2018, Ms. Lemke found two rings that matched the description of rings stolen from an assisted living center in Janesville. The rings belonged to a 99 year old resident and were valued at $2,500.00. Because of Ms. Lemke’s efforts and dedication to her community, the rings were recovered and returned to their 99 year old owner, and the culpable party was held accountable for the theft.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
BLAIN’S FARM & FLEET
On December 13th, 2017, the Janesville Police Department partnered with Farm & Fleet and held its 2nd annual “Shop with a Cop” event. Twenty-five elementary students were selected by the Janesville School District to shop with a police officer. Officers volunteered their time to come shop with the students. The students were able to spend $200.00 on gifts for themselves and family members at the Janesville Farm & Fleet Store.

The Janesville School District selects students to participate based mostly on the requirements of good attendance records and positive attitudes. Farm & Fleet donated food and drink for the officers, students, and their families to enjoy after they were done shopping. This event allows for positive interactions between the officers and children and is a rewarding experience for all involved.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
DOLLAR GENERAL
Thanks to a very generous donation from Dollar General, the police department and fire department were able to outfit (37) squads and ambulances with REACH-A-Child bags. REACH-A-Child helps the police department comfort a child in crisis. Whether the children are in an automobile accident, victims of domestic disturbance or temporarily homeless, REACH-A-Child helps officers engage these children in a positive way through the power of a book. The REACH-A-Child initiative provides a valuable tool to help children during times of crisis. Providing a book and a backpack to a child in crisis diverts their attention from the tragic situation and allows the officers to comfort them.

Dollar General and the REACH-A-Child organization provide a beneficial tool that allows us to accomplish our mission in providing compassionate, competent, and professional services to the community.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
JANESVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Janesville School District is committed to working with the police department and the community to solve current and future problems. The administration, employees, and support staff of the Janesville School District has been open to learning and assisting in the development of new policy to keep our students safe.

The Janesville School District and the Janesville Police Department worked on the following projects together in 2017:
• Stay Safe Work Shop at Craig HS
• Partnered with Janesville Area Crime Stoppers to implement the new P3-Tip program.
• Produced & Released a Safety & Security Video (Run-Hide-Fight)
• Hosted Drug Recognition Training for Educational Professionals
• Produced a Public Service Announcement on distracted driving with the Janesville Fire Department
• Worked with the Police Department to set up a juvenile legal update with the District Attorney's Office
All of these accomplishments were made possible because of the commitment to safety and to promote an improved standard of living in the City of Janesville.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
MARKLEY’S MID-CITY GOLF
Ken Markley has graciously donated Markley's Mid City Golf facility for the third year in a row to enable the police department chaplains group to facilitate an officer wellness night. Many police department families came and enjoyed food, mini golf and the driving range free of charge. This event allowed officers to spend quality time with their families and co-workers.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
New Life Assembly of God has been a strong contributor to the Janesville community by offering worship opportunities, community outreach, and many other services. Amongst its community outreach, no other event in the City of Janesville stands out to its residents more than Freedom Fest which is organized and facilitated by New Life Assembly of God and its congregation. Every year, several thousand people attend the annual family oriented event. The event is so popular that New Life Assembly of God has reached out to the police department to assist with the event. A partnership has developed through the years and the police department is proud to be supported and included in this partnership.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
PRENT CORPORATION
The police department is recognizing the Prent Corporation for its support of the Janesville Police K9 Unit. During the recent fundraising campaign the Prent Corporation donated funds to support the purchase of an entirely outfitted police K9 vehicle. These types of vehicle have normal police equipment but also specialized equipment that provides security and comfort for the dogs. This significant monetary donation helped the fundraising campaign reach its goal of purchasing the new dog and two new vehicles.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
ROTARY BOTANICAL GARDENS
The police department is recognizing Rotary Botanical Gardens for their continued commitment to assisting the police department in providing a beautiful facility for conferences, training, and special events.

Staff has always been accommodating to the needs and challenges of the events and training the police department has scheduled at their venue. Whether it is a small gathering or a week long training session for hundreds of officers, staff at Rotary has always provided the police department with a comfortable, accommodating, and affordable option to host our events.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
VIKTS
VIKTS is a local company started by Jeff and Justin Fox that manufactures tactical clothing. VIKTS is committed to establishing its base of operations in the City of Janesville and supporting local law enforcement agencies in their mission to serve the community.

In December 2017 Justin Fox contacted the department reference donating gloves to the SWAT team and Street Crimes Unit as a show of appreciation for serving the citizens of Janesville, WI. VIKTS donated 25 pairs of gloves with a value of approximately $4300. This donation was especially significant as the budget for the Police Department has been under stress due to overtime, dignitary protection assignments, and the Joseph Jakubowski manhunt. The gloves will provide officers with a protective measure against injuries and the elements while training, serving warrants, executing narcotics operations, and serving the citizens of Janesville.

VIKTS’ dedication to bringing a new business to the city of Janesville, and showing its commitment to the Police Department through a generous donation mirror the mission statement and values of the policing profession and the Janesville Police Department.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
WALMART
On December 14th, 2017 the Janesville Police Department partnered with Walmart and held its 8th annual “Shop with a Cop” event. Twelve Rock County residents ages 5-12 were selected by Rock County Human Services to shop with a police officer. Officers volunteered their time to come shop with the children. The students were able to spend $225.00 on gifts for themselves and family members at the Walmart store.

Many of these children have suffered trauma early in their life. Some have never had a positive interaction with a police officer. This event allows for positive interactions between the officers and children and is a rewarding experience for all involved. The Janesville Police Department is very appreciative for the opportunity Walmart has provided us to connect with these children.