Decatur Police Patrol Officer Larry Brooks was a guest speaker at St. Teresa’s Red Ribbon Week. Officer Brooks educated the students on the results of drinking and driving. K-9 Officer Dan Wise demonstrated the use of the police K-9 to the students during an assembly.

In February of 2010, the Department recognized officers for their dedication and commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roadways. The officers who made the most DUI arrests in 2009 were presented with a plaque from Deputy Chief James Chervinko. Pictured are Officers Hagemeyer, St. Pierre, Tertocha, Pratt, Brooks, Jostes and Wittmer.

On February 3, 2010, MPO M. Lowhorn received the Patrol Deputy Chief’s performance award for 2009 from Deputy Chief Chervinko for his efforts related to the effective operation of the pole cameras (Remotely Operated Video Systems) installed in the neighborhoods. MPO Lowhorn spent his own personal time setting up, maintaining and searching the system recordings.

On January 14, 2010, The Decatur Police Department’s Honor Guard received recognition from the Police Training Institute for their service at PTI’s graduation ceremonies. The DPD Honor Guard has Posted the Colors at nearly every graduation ceremony in the past decade. Honor Guard Officers, Brad Allen and Toby Williams were presented with an American Flag that previously flew over the Nation’s Capital.

On January 14, 2010, Chief Anderson was the keynote speaker at the Police Training Institute’s graduation. Chief Anderson spoke to Illinois’s newest police officers about honor, integrity, and duty. Chief Anderson is a 29 year veteran of the Decatur Police Force, and a life-long resident of Decatur, Illinois.

On January 14, 2010, Officers Chris Croninger and Devyn Flanagan graduated from the Police Training Institute in Champaign, Illinois. The officers were sworn in on October 22, 2010, and then sent to PTI for twelve weeks of training. They will now begin the field training program on the streets of Decatur. Congratulations!

On Saturday, November 21, 2009, the Decatur Police Benevolent sponsored their annual Thanksgiving Holiday food basket giveaway. Members of the Decatur Police Benevolent including active officers, retired officers, police dispatchers, friends & family gathered at Wal-Mart East in Decatur, to assemble and distribute the food baskets to the needy.

Officer Dan Ashenfelter, the Decatur Police Department evidence officer, retired on October 30, 2009. Officer Ashenfelter was hired on April 28, 1969 and served as a patrol officer, and a evidence officer. Officer Ashenfelter, along with Sergeant Davis, served over 40 years with the Decatur Police Department, a feat never before accomplished. His service to the Department and the Community will be missed. Congratulations and Good Luck Dan!

Members of the community said thank you to Sgt. Robert Davis, Sgt. Wayne Hughes, and Dan Ashenfelter for their service to the community. Sgt. Davis & Ofc. Ashenfelter both served for 40 years, and Sgt. Hughes served 31 years on the Decatur Police Department. The veterans retired on October 30, 2009!

Sergeant Robert Davis, a day shift patrol sergeant, retired on October 30, 2009. Sergeant Davis was hired on May 19, 1969 and served as a patrol officer, a Detective and a Patrol Sergeant. Sergeant Davis, along with Officer Dan Ashenfelter, served over 40 years with the Decatur Police Department, a feat never before accomplished. His service to the Department and the Community will be missed. Congratulations and Good Luck Bob!

On 10-22-09, Officers Brad Roberts and Matt Daniels graduated the Police Training Institute in Champaign, Illinois. Sgt. Robert Davis and Ofc. Dan Ashenfelter who are scheduled to retire on October 30, 2009 after 40 years of service, congratulated the new officers and presented their certificates to them. Officers Roberts and Daniels will now begin their field training program.

On October 5, 2009, Tim Maxwell was promoted to Sergeant. Sgt. Maxwell has served the Department since 7-7-99. Sgt. Maxwell has previously served as a second patrolman and field training officer. Deputy Chief Chervinko congratulates Sgt. Maxwell on his promotion.

Deputy Chief Todd Walker presented newly assigned Detectives Brian Kaylor and Jason Kuchelmeister with their Detective Shields on their first day in the adult bureau of investigations, October 1, 2009. Detective Kaylor had previously served as a second shift patrolman since April 14, 1999. Detective Kuchelmeister had previously served as a second shift patrolman since January 8, 2003.