On Wednesday, April 27th, the Joplin Police Department assembled for an evening of fellowship and celebration as we recognized the outstanding service of the civilian and sworn members of the department.
Officers Lacey Baxter and Logan Rivers received a Meritorious Service Award On February 20, 2015 at 4pm, Officers Logan Rivers and Lacey Baxter were dispatched to 823 South Maiden Lane, West Town Shopping Center, in reference to a vehicle vs building accident. The caller reported that a male had hit the building with a red van. The caller thought the male was "tweaking" and he kept accelerating, revving the engine. Officer Rivers arrived and approached the driver's side of the vehicle. The driver refused to follow Officer Rivers' verbal commands and was in a drug-induced state and was acting erratically, continuing to accelerate the engine. The driver continued to flail his arms around as well.
The shopping center was very busy on this Friday afternoon and there were people in the building and parking lot watching the events. Officer Rivers then requested emergency back-up. A moment later Officer Baxter arrived on scene and approached the passenger door. She could hear the engine continuing to rev. She saw that the passenger window was shattered out and there was broken glass inside the vehicle and on the sidewalk. Baxter gave the driver commands that he refused to follow and he continued to rev the engine. Baxter reached through the broken window and hit the door- unlock button and reached into the vehicle and placed it into "Park" and turned the key to "off."
Baxter and Rivers then forcefully removed the driver from the vehicle and took him into custody. The driver, a 34 year old male from Neosho, was then immediately transported by METS to the hospital for his drug-induced medical condition. Officer Baxter was cut by the broken glass. Officer Rivers and Officer Baxter recognized that the driver of the vehicle was an immediate danger to himself and others and that his actions had to be stopped. They placed themselves in immediate danger in order to prevent serious injury or death to others. Their actions should be commended.
Lifesaver Award
The Lifesaver Award may be granted to an employee who during the performance of their duty provides assistance to a citizen, without which a life might have been lost.
The Joplin Police Department recognized Detective Adam New for a Lifesaver Award. On 12/22/15 Detective Adam New was off-duty with extended family at his residence. Two neighborhood children (girls, three-years old and five-years old) were playing with Adam’s children in the yard. Adam’s Wife, Amy New, who had just stepped inside, heard the children screaming that the three-year old neighbor girl was sinking.
Amy and Adam ran to assist at a large pond that is located just east the News family’s residence. Amy and Adam observed the two neighborhood children in the pond. The three-year old girl was completely submerged in the water. Adam said he could barely see her jacket under the water. The five-year old girl was attempting to swim to the three-year old. Adam rescued the five-year old while Amy rescued the three-year old from the water. The three-year old was unresponsive and had ceased to breathe. Adam administered CPR and the child finally began to breathe on her own. The News began warming the children while attempting to call 911. Adam radioed for an ambulance to meet him on the way to Mercy Hospital.
The ambulance was unable to engage with Adam before he reached the hospital. The child sustained no injury in the incident and was later released from the hospital. Due to Adam and Amy New's quick response and decisive action, the lives of both of the girls were saved. The selfless actions of Detective Adam New and his wife, Amy New are deserving of the Joplin Police Department’s Lifesaver award.
Spouses Honor
Amy New was recognized for her heroic and selfless action while saving the life of a three-year old drowning victim. Adam also nominated Amy for, ‘The Spouses’ Honor’-award which may be awarded for special understanding and support in sharing the problems of a tour of duty. It’s a public salute and expression of the officer’s “Love and Thanks” for that special person in their life.
Education
The Education Award is presented to any officer who, during the previous year, achieves a degree from an accredited university or college while employed with the Joplin Police Department.
Sgt. Rusty Rives was awarded Masters’ in Management and Leadership from Webster University. Josh Dykstra was awarded and Associate degree in law enforcement and Bachelor in Criminal Justice from Missouri Southern State University. Years of Service Officer Travis Walthall, Detective Jason Schanot, and Officer Ron Buchanan were each recognized for twenty-years of service.
Employees of the Year
Employee of the year may be granted for an outstanding act or achievement which brings credit to the department and which involves performance above and beyond that which is required by an employee’s basic assignment. It may be granted for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism by which an employee has demonstrated in great degree the characteristics of selflessness, personal courage and devotion to duty. This award may also be granted to an employee who best typifies exemplary service to the citizens of Joplin based on the quality and completeness of his or her job assignment, his/her ability to interface with the public in a positive manner, consistent quantity and quality of work, his/her willingness to accept and complete assignments, and special expertise and professionalism displayed during performance of duty.
Detention Officer of the Year-Christopher Reeves
Dispatcher of the Year-Stephanie Welch
SEB Officer of the Year- Lacey Baxter
Supervisor of the Year- Brian Henderson
Detective of the Year- Justin Barnett
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