Public Safety Chief Louis Dekmar recognized members of the LaGrange Police Department at the 2012 Awards Celebration Monday afternoon. Officers received certificates for outstanding service at the celebration, which was held at Faith Baptist Church, located at 552 Hammett Road.
“Everyone who works at the department deserves an award,” Chaplain Ronnie Jordan said. Jordon led the group in prayer at the beginning and end of the ceremony.
Awards were presented to Sgt. Roger Pointer, Cpt. Steve Taylor and Officer James Davison for the capture of a murder suspect after a burglary at the Budget Inn, located at 100 Hill Street.On March 16, 2012, officers responded to the Budget Inn, in reference to a burglary or robbery in progress. Upon arrival, they found the office to be locked and all windows closed. The officers circled the building in an effort to locate any unusual or suspicious activity.
Officer Davidson saw a suspect running away from the back door of the hotel. He confronted the suspect, preventing him from leave the scene. Cpt. Taylor handcuffed and detained the suspect, allowing for a more thorough investigation.
Officers then found the lifeless body of a robbery victim inside. A subsequent investigation revealed the detained suspect had acted allegedly alone and was allegedly responsible for the murder of the hotel clerk.
“If not for the quick response by these officers, the suspect would likely have evaded capture that night,” Dekmar said. “Their actions are commendable.”
Detective Craig Wheeler was commended for consistently volunteering to assist details designed to curtail property crimes in 2011 and 2012. Dekmar said Detective Wheeler assisted in an undercover surveillance detail in the area of Haley Way on Sept. 6, 2011, which resulted in the arrests of four burglary suspects. On Oct. 17, 2011, he participated in an investigation where a suspect was arrested for stealing copper from an air conditioning unit behind a business. On April 4, 2012, Detective Wheeler worked with officers in an attempt to apprehend an unknown burglary suspect who had been breaking into sheds. The suspect was arrested and, according to Dekmar, later linked and charged with 17 burglaries in the area.
“He has constantly demonstrated his commitment to this department and our citizens,” Dekmar said.
Sgt. Marshall McCoy was recognized for his quick actions after being shot at by a burglary suspect in May 2011.
Officers Josh Clower and Ley Wynne were thanked for their efforts, which led them to find a missing child last January . The child, who suffered from an unknown mental condition, was reported to have left home on a bicycle. Officer Wynne spotted a bicycle matching the family’s description at the entrance of Walmart on New Franklin Road. He located the missing child inside, unharmed and unaware of the search. He was safely returned home.
“Making a pledge to public safety is a courageous act,” Dekmar said. “Everything after that is duty.”
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