Six officers honored at ISP awards ceremony

Four local troopers, a sheriff’s deputy and a town marshal were recognized at the Indiana State Police's awards ceremony this week in Indianapolis.

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 more than 108 criminal cases, worked 44 crashes, answered 542 calls for service and initiated 1,248 traffic stops. Powers has worked for the Indiana State Police for three years and primarily works in Wabash and 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," an ISP press release states. "Sheetz's actions continue to make the roadways safer for the citizens of Indiana." 

He has worked with the Indiana State Police Department for two years and primarily works in Fulton and Cass counties.

Trooper Andrew Baldwin and Bunker Hill Town Marshal Troy Gornto were recognized with an Indiana State Police Life Saving Award. On Sept. 24, 2024, at approximately 8:36 p.m., Baldwin arrived at Kroger in Peru, responding to a call of an unconscious male. When Baldwin arrived, he found the male on the ground bleeding from the head. He placed the male in the assessment position, found a pulse and continued to monitor him.

A short time later, Baldwin noticed the male's face turning purple and his pulse weakening. He also noticed something in his mouth that was perhaps blocking his airway. Performing a finger sweep, he removed the man's dentures, thinking that might be the reason his airway was blocked.

Baldwin was no longer able to find a pulse and turned the man on his back to begin CPR. He then left the male to retrieve his AED while Gornto took over doing compressions. 

While Trooper Baldwin was away, EMS arrived on scene and placed an AED on the man, and it advised a shock was needed. The man survived the incident, thanks to Baldwin and Gornto's lifesaving actions.

Trooper Mario Cruz and Grant County Sheriff's Office Captain Ryan Troyer also were recognized with an Indiana State Police Life Saving Award. On May 17, 2024, at approximately 12:49 p.m., Cruz and other Grant County law enforcement officers were dispatched to 7497 S. Strawtown Pike in Grant County regarding a shooting incident.

Cruz arrived on scene as other officers located the suspect at that location. He provided security and cover while the suspect was taken into custody, and 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. Cruz and 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 after and continued to care for the male victim. He was transported by helicopter to Lutheran Hospital, where he was treated and eventually released after surviving the incident.

"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."