MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA ADVISORY: Saturday, February 18, 2023
CONTACT: Kelsey Winnett, Public Information Officer
Two (2) Meridian Officers Recognized for Saving Life of Missing Meridian Man
MERIDIAN-The Boise Elks Lodge presented two Meridian Police Officers with the Life Saving Award yesterday, February 17, 2023 during their First Annual Law Enforcement Award Luncheon. Detectives Matt Ferronato and Eric Stoffle were recognized for their efforts which saved the life of a Meridian resident in Fall 2022.
On October 9, 2022, seventy-seven (77) year old Robert Trotter was reported missing after he failed to return home from Church the day prior. Officers were informed Mr. Trotter often liked to go for drives into the foothills around Horseshoe Bend. The last ping of Mr. Trotter’s phone placed him in a remote area of Boise County. Detective Matt Ferronato and Detective Eric Stoffle began working the case on October 11, 2022.
Rather than hand over the case to Boise County who only had two (2) deputies at the time, Detective Ferronato and Detective Stoffle began working with the FBI to confirm the cellphone information and reached out to Civil Air Patrol and the Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue Unit. They ultimately found Mr. Trotter lying in a remote roadway, where he had been lying for two (2) days after his Jeep became high-centered. He was severely dehydrated and malnourished. The detectives contacted Life Flight and had Trotter airlifted to a local hospital where he was able to make a full recovery. Without the persistence of Detective Ferronato and Detective Stoffle, the consequences would have been dire.
“The actions of these detectives highlight the efforts and dedication the men and women of the MPD provide to our community every day,” said Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. “We are very proud of the work done by Detective Ferronato and Detective Stoffle in saving Mr. Trotters life.”
Yesterday’s Boise Elks Lodge Law Enforcement Award Luncheon honored four local law enforcement officers for awards of Valor, Life Saving and Community Service. All agencies from Ada and Boise counties and cities, and the Idaho State Police, District 3, were asked to submit officers for an award based on events that occurred in 2022.
The Meridian Police Department would like to thank the Boise Elks Lodge for its support of law enforcement at yesterday’s luncheon and for recognizing the hard work and dedication of Detective Ferronato and Detective Stoffle.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 143 police officers and 43 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
