The Indiana State Police Department held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and deeds of self-sacrifice and accomplishments of Indiana State Police employees from around the state. four local troopers and two sheriff’s deputies were recognized at the ceremony. 

Trooper Jon Cole was recognized as the 2021 Indiana State Police Peru Post Trooper of the District. The award is given annually to the trooper that personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic. Cole was selected by the command staff at the Peru District for dedication to his job, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, instructor ratings, specialty assignments, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations. Cole has worked for the state police for eight years. He patrols primarily in Miami County. 

Trooper Derek Rine was recognized with the Indiana State Police Peru District Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Award for his commitment to removing impaired drivers from Indiana roadways. In 2021, Rine led the Peru District with 25 impaired driving arrests. He has served with the Indiana State Police for three years and patrols primarily in Fulton County.

ISP Sergeant Andrew Smith, Trooper Andrew Baldwin, Miami County Sheriff’s Officer Alex Wolfe, and Miami County Sheriff’s Officer James Bean were recognized with an Indiana State Police Life Saving Award. On August 25, 2021, the officers responded to a motorcycle crash on northbound U.S. 31 near Miami County Road 900 South, in which William Lidy, 48, of Russiaville, was found lying next to the motorcycle. He did not have a pulse and was not breathing. A good Samaritan was performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The officers took over the CPR from the good Samaritan. Before medical personnel arrived on the scene, Lidy started to breathe and regained a pulse. Officers also applied an automated external defibrillator (AED). It advised no shock was needed. Lidy was eventually flown, via medical helicopter, to a Ft Wayne hospital where he was stabilized and expected to make a full recovery.

Baldwin and Smith have served five years with the Indiana State Police. For information about the Miami County Sheriff’s officers, please get in touch with their department.  

“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 in which they serve.”