Farms Officers, Woods Residents Recognized

Dan Jensen honored a Grosse Pointe Woods couple Monday for their civilian effort in reporting a crime as it was happening. 

The couple, Jim & Val Champine, called 911 last year while walking on Mack Avenue after spotting a man crossing the street, putting on a ski mask and pulling something shiny out before entering Mr. A's Party Store. 

Their quick action allowed police to begin tracking down the robber before a store employee was able to call 911, Jensen said. The store employee couldn't believe it when he called, he thought it was a joke when dispatchers told him officers were already following the suspect, Jensen said. 

Although the Champine's say their actions were what everyone should have done, Jensen said this was a special case. They were given a civilian award.

Several officers were also recognized.

Lt. Andrew Rogers, Detective John Walko, officers Tony Trupiano and Roger Wierszewski were given a commendation for their efforts in rescuing a dog trapped in a storm drain near Lakeshore and Newberry roads in April 2010. The officers did extensive work to free the dog with injuring him or allowing him to drown, including being lowered into a manhole, entering the storm drain from Lakeshore access point and having contact with an emergency veterinarian. 

The Director's Community Service Award was given to Lt. Andrew Rogers for implementing the use of Nixle for the department. Nixle is a public alert system residents can subscribe to for alerts to breaking news or warnings. 

Officer Antonino Trupiano received the same award for become a certified safety seat technician and acting as the department's Safe Kids Child Protective Seat program.

Officer Paul Reygaert received a commendation for his response during a 911 call in which the caller was in medical distress restricting speech. Reygaert set up an answer system with the caller with one button meaning one answer and two buttons representing another button. He was able to gain information about the caller's pain and exact location within Cottage Hospital, which is where the call was made from. 

Lt. Richard Rosati and Detective Michael McCarthy received a commendation for their actions during a carjacking investigation. Officers Thomas Shimko, Frank Zielinski and detective Rick Good received commendations for their actions in armed robbery investigations. 

Officers Timothy Harris and Wesley Kipke received commendations for their actions during a breaking and entering investigation. Rosati, Good, Detective John Walko, officer Keith Colombo, Roger Wierszewski, Trupiano, Mike Scott and Geoffery McQueen received commendations for their actions during a home invasion investigation.

Officer Matthew Hurner received a commendation for fire response. Lt. Rogers, Hurner, Colombo, Trupiano, McQueen and dispatcher Amanda Papiez received a citation for their efforts in a drug arrest.