Indianapolis –On Tuesday, 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 of Indiana State Police employees from around the state. Four local troopers, a sheriff’s deputy, and a town marshal were recognized at the ceremony. -Trooper Dustin Powers was recognized as the 2024 Indiana State Police Peru Post Trooper of the District. The award is given annually to the trooper who personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic. Powers was selected by the command staff at the Peru Post for his dedication to his job, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, instructor ratings, specialty assignments, and other services provided by the officer that exceeded department expectations. In 2024, Powers had 262 criminal arrests, with 58 of those being felonies. Powers investigated over 108 criminal cases, worked 44 crashes, answered 542 calls for service, and initiated 1248 traffic stops. Powers has worked for the Indiana State Police for 3 years and primarily works in Wabash/Miami Counties.
-Trooper Jarod Sheetz received the Indiana State Police Peru District Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Award for his commitment to removing impaired drivers from Indiana roadways. In 2024, Sheetz led the Peru Post with 50 impaired driver arrests. Sheetz exemplifies the professionalism and integrity expected of Indiana State Police troopers. Sheetz’s actions continue to make the roadways safer for the citizens of Indiana. He has worked with the Indiana State Police Department for 2 years and primarily works in Fulton and Cass Counties.
-ISP Trooper Andrew Baldwin and Bunker Hill Town Marshal Troy Gornto were recognized with an Indiana State Police Life Saving Award. On September 24, 2024, at approximately 8:36 P.M., Trooper Andrew Baldwin arrived at Kroger in Peru, responding to a call of an unconscious male lying on the ground bleeding outside the store. When Trooper Baldwin arrived, he found the male on the ground bleeding from the head. Trooper Baldwin placed the male in the assessment position and found a pulse on the male’s left wrist. Trooper Baldwin then began to monitor the male subject.
A short time later, Trooper Baldwin noticed the male’s face turning purple and his pulse weakening. Trooper Baldwin noticed something in his mouth that was perhaps blocking his airway. Trooper Baldwin performed a finger sweep and removed the subject’s dentures, thinking that might be the reason the subject’s airway was blocked.
Trooper Baldwin was no longer able to find a pulse on the subject and turned him on his back to begin CPR compressions. Trooper Baldwin then left the male to retrieve his AED while Bunker Hill Town Marshal Troy Gornto took over doing compressions. While Trooper Baldwin was away from the subject, EMS arrived on scene and placed an AED on the male, and it advised a shock was needed. The male subject survived the incident thanks to Trooper Baldwin and Town Marshal Gornto’s lifesaving actions.
Trooper Baldwin and Town Marshal Gornto are to be commended for their extraordinary conduct in saving the life of a fellow human being.
-ISP Trooper Mario Cruz and Grant County Sheriff’s Office Captain Ryan Troyer were recognized with an Indiana State Police Life Saving Award. On May 17, 2024, at approximately 12:49 P.M., Trooper Mario Cruz and other Grant County law enforcement officers were dispatched to 7497 S. Strawtown Pike in Grant County regarding a shooting incident.
Trooper Cruz arrived on scene as other officers located the suspect at that location. Trooper Cruz provided security and cover while the suspect was taken into custody. Trooper Cruz then crossed the street where the victim was located, kneeling in the grass near a detached garage.
The victim sustained six apparent gunshot wounds, and his breathing was very labored. Trooper Cruz and Grant County Sheriff’s Department Captain Ryan Troyer applied a chest seal to the victim’s chest and one to his back. The male victim’s breathing improved after the chest seals were applied. Paramedics arrived soon thereafter and continued to care for the male victim. The victim was transported by helicopter to Lutheran Hospital, where he was treated and eventually released after surviving the incident.
Trooper Cruz and Captain Troyer are to be commended for their extraordinary conduct in saving the life of a fellow human being.
“I am often amazed at the professional skill and heroic acts police officers perform daily,” stated Lt. T.J. Zeiser, commander of the Indiana State Police Peru Post. “These officers deserved recognition for their dedication to the law enforcement profession and the communities they serve.”
Six local officers honored at awards ceremony
