Full Notification

The Janesville Police Department held its annual Awards Night Thursday, March 7th. The following awards were presented. Congratulations to all the award winners!

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
OFFICER MATTHEW J. ZIMBORSKI

Officer Matthew Zimborski has been employed by the Janesville Police Department for almost 3 years. He previously worked for the Town of Beloit Police Department. Officer Zimborski is currently assigned to C-shift patrol and is one of the most pro-active officers in the department.

Officer Zimborski attained his goal during 2018 to become a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). To become a DRE, he had to attend several weeks of intense training. After being certified as a DRE in the spring of 2018, Officer Zimborski excelled in his new role. He not only applied his training on patrol, as evidenced by the number of OWI arrests, but began passing his knowledge onto other officers. He presented legal updates in briefing when needed and conducted on-shift training with other officers.

Officer Zimborski is also a member of the High Risk Offender Team. He is a valued member of this team as he is always willing to assist. He completes background checks on subjects that may fit the criteria of the team, and uses the knowledge he gains from those checks while on patrol to assist other officers and himself during investigations.

Officer Zimborski represents the Janesville Police Department well and supports the mission of the Janesville Police Department. He is a pleasure to work with and supervise. He has a positive attitude that is infectious and a work ethic that is unmatched. He deserves to be commended.

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
LORI J. GRAF

Lori has been employed by the Janesville Police Department for 11 years. During that time, Lori has proved herself a very dependable, hardworking employee. Lori arrives to work each day in a positive mood and interacts admirably with her co-workers. She rarely misses work for any unplanned absences.

2018 proved to be an especially difficult year for the Records Section. The section had been short one clerk since June, followed by a resignation in October, and a retirement in December. This left the section missing 1/3 of its 9 full time employees over the holidays. Lori worked numerous shifts alone without complaint. Meanwhile, there were also two changes in supervision of the Records Section during 2018. To say 2018 was a year of great transition for Records is an understatement.

In addition to the challenges presented by staff transitions during 2018, Lori took over the demanding task of handling Open Records Releases. The completion of these requests can be very taxing depending on the length and complexity of the requested report. Great attention to detail and judgment making is required to insure certain information is redacted. In addition, the volume of these requests can in itself be quite daunting. Lori completed approximately 1,000 records requests during 2018, in addition to typing reports. Open Records Releases and the transparency given to the public through such requests are directly tied to the mission of the Janesville Police Department. As such, Lori is quite deserving of receiving this award. Lori’s dedication and work product is greatly respected and appreciated.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
LIEUTENANT TIMOTHY L. HIERS

Lieutenant Tim Hiers has been employed with the Janesville Police Department since 1989. During his time with the department, Lt. Hiers has served as Identification Officer (CSI), Records Section Supervisor, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant of Investigations, and lastly, Patrol Lieutenant of “A” shift.

Lt. Hiers has guided the police department through many important initiatives including the implementation of TASERS and Body Cameras. He has assisted as part of a training cadre to teach the entire department the principles of Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics, a use of force training guide aimed at integrating various strategies to reduce use of force incidents.

He has also worked on strengthening our Emergency Management and Incident Command procedures. He currently uses this expertise while serving on the Southwest Incident Management Team, a regional team of volunteers that assists communities during crisis.

Lt. Hiers is in charge of coordinating the completion of all background investigations for new officers. In addition, he manages the Field Training Program and its nine field training officers.

Lt. Hiers provides all of these services in addition to his daily responsibilities of a shift commander overseeing 3 sergeants and 20 officers. He is a highly respected and valuable member of the Janesville Police Department and will be greatly missed upon his pending retirement later this year.


EXEMPLARY SERVICE CITATION
OFFICER CHAD L. WOODMAN

On 04-03-18, officers responded to a report of shots fired call at 1807 S. Osborne. When the officers arrived they encountered a chaotic scene with information that people inside the residence had been shot, and that the suspect may still be inside armed with a firearm.

Officer Woodman gathered intelligence through his role as a negotiator and located a phone number for the victim’s daughter. After communicating with someone using this cellphone, Officer Woodman felt something wasn’t right. He followed his instinct and decided to check on the welfare of those at the victim’s daughter’s home.

Officer Woodman along with Officer Alex Erlien responded to the victim’s daughter’s home and had to force entry into the residence to check on the welfare of the occupants. Upon entering the residence, Officer Woodman found that the victim’s daughter had suffered a severe head injury which required immediate medical attention. EMS personnel were summoned. Thanks to Officer Woodman’s diligence he discovered the victim’s daughter injured in her home. His swift actions in securing the residence allowed EMS personnel to administer life saving measures, and ultimately saved a life.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE CITATION

SERGEANT CHAD A. PEARSON
SERGEANT JIMMY G. HOLFORD III
OFFICER ERIC E. GRAHN
OFFICER STEVEN J. CARPENTER
OFFICER BRIAN C. FOSTER
OFFICER ALEX S. WASEMILLER
OFFICER JUSTIN D. STUBBENDICK
OFFICER DREW M. SEVERSON

On 04-03-18 at 4:37 PM, officers responded to a report of shots fired at 1807 S. Osborne. When the officers arrived they encountered a chaotic scene with information that people inside the residence had been shot, and that the suspect may still be inside armed with a firearm.

Sgt. Holford III, Sgt. Pearson, Officer Grahn, Officer Foster, Officer Severson, Officer Wasemiller, Officer Stubbendick and Officer Carpenter all participated in the rescue and extraction of the victim. Twenty minutes after officer arrival, the victim emerged from the south door of the residence. Officers observed that she was severely injured and unable to leave the residence under her own power. Officers were in positions of cover and safety around the residence forming a perimeter. Upon seeing that the victim was injured and in danger, officers left positions of safety to move towards the danger in order to rescue her.

Officers formed a protective shield around the victim and moved to a position of cover. Officers began rendering first aid and applied a CAT tourniquet to the victim’s leg. Officers provided 360 degree security and shielding for the victim and treating officers. Officers coordinated an ambulance response, and requested MD1 via the radio. Using Rescue Task Force tactics, officers escorted the MD1 doctor and paramedics one by one from the ambulance across the danger area to the position of cover where the victim was being treated. Once in this position, officers positioned to provide 360 degree security and shielding for MD1 and EMS personnel. Officers moved from positions of safety and cover on multiple occasions placing themselves between the threat and the victim, as she was clearly the target of the attack. The deliberate, collaborative, conscious, and quick decisions of the officers ultimately saved the victim’s life, and embody the finest virtues of the policing profession.

PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING AWARD
OFFICER JEFFREY A. WINIARSKI
OFFICER DANIEL L. SCHOONOVER

Officer Schoonover and Winiarski have taken the lead within the police department investigating human trafficking cases. Through their work they have identified a correlation between human trafficking and drug trafficking. They have discovered there is more human trafficking involved with drug dealing than previously believed.

Officer Schoonover regularly attends meetings and wrote the Human Trafficking Memo of Understanding (MOU) creating a multi-disciplinary task force consisting of various organizations who are able to legally share information between the various groups. Through the sharing of information a customized plan can be developed and designed to provide the best resources to the victims and assist in the prosecution of the predators.

Officer Schoonover and Winiarski continue to take the lead on Human Trafficking related investigations and frequently receive compliments for their willingness and desire to stop human trafficking and assist the victims of these types of crimes.

Through their efforts they have built a reputation with victims that someone cares for them and is willing to help.

Officer Schoonover’s and Winiarski’s work this area is helping to break the cycle of generational drug addiction and sexual abuse and helps victims break free from a life of trafficking, drug addiction and other crime.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MS. DIANE REZAGHOLI

Diane Rezagholi received the Law Enforcement Service Award for her continued commitment and generosity to the Janesville Police Department K9 Unit. Ms. Rezagholi’s annual donation to the K9 program helps to pay for the food, equipment, and training of the dogs and is greatly appreciated by the department and its K9’s.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
FATHER EARL SIAS

Father Sias of All Saints Anglican Catholic Church at 169 S. Academy St is a leader in reaching out to children and families in the 4th Ward neighborhood. Father Sias has led the way in caring for young people with the creation of the Academy Singers and the Academy Athletes. These after school programs are free and create positive opportunities for children in the 4th Ward. Father Sias is active in the community. He looks for solutions to current and future problems in the 4th Ward area and beyond by promoting an improved standard of well-being for those involved in his church’s programs.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MR. JOHN MANSUR

John Mansur is a member of the Fourth Ward Neighborhood Action Team who goes above and beyond what is normally expected. John’s commitment and dedication to the City of Janesville, the Janesville Police Department and the community as a whole is remarkable.

John volunteers his own time to plan, organize and coordinate the Fourth Ward Neighborhood Action Team’s monthly meetings which consist of an agenda each meeting. The agenda typically includes a timeline of events for the meetings which include attendee introductions, recap of any recent community events, committee reports, ongoing projects and new ideas/projects for the team.

John looks for new ways to get other residents involved in the community for the purpose of improving the standard of living specifically in the Fourth Ward area. Some of the events that took place as a result of the Fourth Ward Neighborhood Action Team this year were a fundraiser, Fourth of July Parade followed by a picnic, Trunk or Treat event, creation of a neighborhood newsletter and an Arts and Culture Exhibit.

John goes above and beyond of what is normally expected of a normal citizen. His actions and efforts don’t go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated by the Janesville Police Department.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MR. CARL CRAWFORD
MR. ZANE GONZALES

On July 7, 2018 at 3:41 PM, Officer Jonathan Williams was investigating a domestic disturbance in the 2800 Block of Holiday Drive. When Officer Williams arrived on scene, a suspect began walking into the residence with a child in a car seat. The suspect entered an apartment through a patio door to avoid apprehension. Officer Williams grabbed onto the suspect’s arm and convinced him to set down the infant carrier.

Officer Williams moved the suspect to the patio area where the struggle continued. While Officer Williams was lying on top of the suspect, he continued to kick his feet, and pulled his hands underneath him.

Carl Crawford and Zane Gonzales were standing outside of the apartment building. They asked Officer Williams if he needed assistance. Zane Gonzales held down the suspect’s legs while Carl Crawford grabbed onto the suspect’s arm. While assisting Officer Williams, Mr. Crawford spoke with the suspect to help calm him down. Mr. Crawford and Mr. Gonzales continued to assist Officer Williams until other officers arrived on scene.

Due to Carl Crawford’s and Zane Gonzales’ responsible and intelligent actions, their assistance had a direct and positive impact on the outcome of this incident.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MS. MICHELLE BANISTER

On October 31st, 2018, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the 1500 block of Holiday Drive. When officers arrived, they found an individual who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The suspect had fled.

Several people called 911 to report the shooting. One of the reporting persons was Michelle Banister. Michelle remained on scene to speak to officers. Michelle explained she was driving to a credit union when she saw the suspect actively shooting the victim. Michelle pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex a short distance from the shooting. Michelle’s arrival was not lost on the suspect as it appeared the suspect realized there was now a witness to the crime. The suspect fled the scene, driving through the yard of the complex as Michelle had blocked his exit. Michelle focused on assisting the victim and was helped by neighbors who had started exiting their homes.

Despite this being an extremely tense and stressful incident, Michelle maintained her composure. Michelle provided very specific details about the suspect, and an almost exact match of the suspect vehicle’s license plate. Michelle additionally provided great detail of the other witnesses who exited their homes, some of which did not initially want to provide information to the police.

Michelle’s intervention was done without regard to her personal welfare and may have saved the life of an individual who Michelle did not know. Michelle’s observation skills were crucial to the investigation and contributed to a quick resolution/arrest of the suspect.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: CITIZEN
MS. CLAIRE MIKKELSON
MS. TAYLOR SALMON
MR. SAM SMITH

Craig High School student leaders Claire Mikkelson, Taylor Salmon, and Sam Smith collaborated with the Janesville Police Department and the Janesville Professional Police Association with fundraising efforts to support 4yr old Isaac Johnson who is battling Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer.

They created a video featuring Isaac’s story that was played at Craig High School, and several other schools throughout the Janesville School District to share awareness to Isaac’s battle, and recruit fundraising efforts. In the weeks to come Claire, Taylor, and Sam organized a Penny War (at several schools in the district), Winter Bash Dance, and Raffle. In total, these fundraising efforts raised over $10,000.


LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
R&D LASER PROCESSING

R&D Laser Processing assisted the police department in producing custom equipment and parts for our squad that were not available through other vendors. Owner, Darrin Ott was a pleasure to work with. Darrin completed a CAD drawing first, and then had his crew create the parts in a timely and professional fashion. The quality and workmanship was very impressive. It was also very convenient having a local Janesville company to help us out.

Owner Darrin Ott donated his time, material and expertise to assist the police department as a way to thank the department for what we do for the community.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD: BUSINESS
RICHIE’S AUTO REPAIR/TOW SERVICE

During 2018 Richie’s donated and delivered 17 vehicles to the Janesville Police Department for use during training. Additionally, Richie left his personal skid loader at the range for the duration of the classes so the vehicles could be easily moved without damage to the JPD Range.

Because of Richie’s generous donation, the Janesville Police Department was able to host a variety of nationally recognized training sessions that revolve around safety and tactical response to vehicle threats. The goal of the training was to enhance the survivability of JPD officers in an ever increasing dangerous environment. Without the generous donation of these vehicles the training would have been possible.