Four members of the Indiana State Police Post at Peru were recently honored for their dedication to the job and saving lives.

On April 19, the Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognizes the achievements, self-sacrifice, and accomplishments of the Indiana State Police employees from around the state. Three troopers and a captain from the Peru Post were recognized at the ceremony.

Trooper Andrew Baldwin was recognized as the 2022 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. Baldwin was selected by the command staff at the Peru Post for his dedication to his job, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, instructor ratings, special assignments, and other services provided by the officer that exceeds department expectations.

In 2022, Baldwin had 210 Criminal arrests, 12 DUI arrests, investigated 10 crashes, and initiated 625 traffic stops. Trooper Baldwin is also a K-9 handler for the Peru Post. In 2022, Trooper Baldwin utilized his K-9 117 times, which resulted in approximately 65 grams of Methamphetamine, 14 grams of Ecstasy, 3 grams of Cocaine, and 211 grams of other drugs.

Baldwin has worked for the Indiana State Police for 6 years.

Captain Shea Reliford, Trooper Charles Coffee, and Trooper Dakota Anderson were recognized for receiving the Indiana State Police Life Saving Award. In May 2022, Troopers were directing and monitoring traffic on Georgetown Road for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 and were advised a man had collapsed near their location. Troopers located a man that was lying in the street, unconscious and not breathing. Trooper Dakota Anderson retrieved his Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Trooper Anderson and Captain Reliford provided multiple rounds of CPR before the male regained a pulse. The male subject was transported by EMS to an area hospital for treatment.

Captain Reliford has been with the Indiana State Police for 17 years, Trooper Charles Coffee has been with the State Police for 17 years, and Dakota Anderson has been with the State Police for 3 years.