Whether responding to life-or-death rescues, violent standoffs or major crashes, officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department continue to face serious moments with courage and professionalism, and Monday, Feb. 17, the department recognized those efforts at its annual awards ceremony.
Bryce Goodrich was recognized as the Officer of the Year, and Olivia Brinkman was named Dispatcher of the Year for their exceptional service.
Goodrich, who also received a Life-Saving Award, was among the first responders at a serious head-on crash on U.S. 33 involving a wrong-way driver, a vehicle fire and multiple entrapments. Officers Andrew Purk and Morgan Bango each received a Medal of Merit for their efforts during the Nov. 2 crash. Dispatcher Amanda Metz was honored with a Letter of Commendation for managing emergency communications.
The ceremony also recognized Officer Aaron Long with a Life-Saving Award for preventing a man from jumping off the west Sandusky Avenue bridge on Aug. 23. Dispatcher Peter Hager received a Letter of Commendation for his role in an incident where an armed sexual assault suspect fled police and ultimately took his own life.
Bellefontaine’s Special Response Team was honored for its role in the extended and violent Aug. 14 standoff at Indian Lake involving Holley Tolliver. Medals of Merit were awarded to Sergeants Seth Chambers, Andrew Kennedy, Bradley Staley, K9 Officer Jerrod Hostetler, Detective Jacob Siekierka, Officers Long, Goodrich, Blake Kenner II, Robbie Hamilton, John Godwin, as well as Logan County Sheriff’s deputies Detective Adam Wood and Deputy Nicholas Burtchin.
Several longtime department members were honored for their dedication:
Detective Dwight Salyer – 30 years; Lieutenant Scott Marlow – 25 years; and Dispatcher Amanda Metz – 10 years.
Two of the department’s newest officers were recognized for their military service:
Officer Anthony Carothers – United States Marine Corps; and
Officer John Godwin – United States Navy.
The American Legion Harold Kerr Post #173 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards were presented to Officers Devin Fowler, K9 Officer Hostetler and Officer Mason Treen.
“A special thank you goes out to Six Hundred Downtown for being our gracious hosts and providing an excellent dinner as well as our friends and sponsors at the Middlefield Banking Company,” Police Chief Chris Marlow said.
“Another thank you is due to our family, friends and the citizens we serve for your ongoing support, every day.”
