Indianapolis – This afternoon, 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 that all too often go without the proper recognition. Ninety employees of the Indiana State Police Department, from around the state, were honored for their dedication to service, bravery, devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana. Four troopers assigned to the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post were recognized at the ceremony.
Senior Trooper Ryan Winters was given the Gold Star Award for exceptional meritorious service and outstanding heroism displayed when reacting to a life threatening situation where he put his life in jeopardy to save the life of another. In the early morning hours of April 10, 2014, Senior Trooper J. Ryan Winters, Lafayette District, notified regional dispatch of a house !re that was in close proximity to his residence in Ladoga, Indiana. Knowing the residents of that house were elderly with limited mobility, Senior Trooper Winters responded to the scene without hesitation. Trooper Winters, finding the front door unlocked, went inside and located the homeowners' grandson sleeping on a couch in the living room with headphones on. Trooper Winters woke up the grandson and took him outside but learned soon after that his grandparents were still asleep in their bedroom on the second floor. Trooper Winters re-entered the home, went to the second floor where he located the grandparents, and guided them to safety outside the residence. Trooper Winters, while checking around the house for possible hazardous material that could be threatened by the fire, was told that the grandfather had re-entered the house. Trooper Winters immediately entered the house for a third time, located the grandfather, and guided him back to safety outside the residence. The Ladoga Volunteer Fire Department arrived soon after and with assistance from the New Market and Walnut Township Fire Departments, began to extinguish the fire. Members of the Ladoga Volunteer Fire Department stated that were it not for Trooper Winters' actions, there would have been at least one, if not multiple, fatalities from this !re. It was also stated by the Ladoga Volunteer Fire Department Chief that even after the !re was out, he would not let his firemen into the structure without wearing their oxygen tanks and breathing apparatus, because of the toxic smoke that was present. Trooper Winters made three trips into this environment without any kind of breathing apparatus, which put his own health and safety at risk. Senior Trooper Winters’ actions involved personal bravery and self-sacrifice in a moment of extraordinary risk; this level of service is exemplary of his distinction, gallantry, and courage within the line of duty. These actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon himself and the Indiana State Police.
Trooper Ben Rector received the District DUI Award. The O.W.I. award was presented to Trooper Rector for his efforts in removing impaired and intoxicated motorists from Indiana’s roadways. Trooper Galloway was awarded for his efforts of arresting 27 impaired drivers in 2014.
Trooper Tyler Stinson was given the Lifesaving Award for his saving the life of a subject who was injured in an explosion. Trooper Stinson arrived at the location to find a male subject injured from the explosion. He had injuries to his face, arms and body. The arm was bleeding profusely and Carroll County Deputy Garron Giancola was attempting to apply a tourniquet using the victim’s Belt. Trooper Stinson applied a combat tourniquet. Deputy Giancola stated that without Trooper Stinson taking charge and applying the combat tourniquet, the victim probably would have bled to death.
Senior Trooper Josh Edwards received the Trooper of the District Award for the Lafayette Post. Edwards was presented for the Trooper who has achieved outstanding efforts in the areas of traffic and criminal enforcement, case and crash investigations, public information programs and community service, and who has exemplified the professionalism and integrity expected of an Indiana State Trooper. Edwards is a Field Training Officer and works well with his community, local and County Police and his fellow troopers.
“These four troopers are what help make the ISP one of the finest state police departments in the country!” states Lt. Tom McKee, commander of the Lafayette Post.”It is with great pride that I have the privilege and honor to have these men working under my command!”
Pictures of the troopers are included. Picture one is of Trooper Ben Rector. Picture two is of Tyler Stinson. Picture three is of Superintendent Doug Carter, Josh Edwards and LT. Tom McKee. And picture four is of Superintendent Carter, Ryan Winters, Ryan's wife and Lt. McKee.
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