Full Notification

The Janesville Police Department announces the 2021 Police Department award winners.  The award recipients were recognized in an awards ceremony on Thursday March 3, 2022 at Rotary Gardens.
 
POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
DETECTIVE DENNIS J. LECAPTAIN
Detective Dennis LeCaptain began his career in law enforcement in 1992 as a patrol officer for the City of Janesville police department.  In 2001 he was promoted to the rank of detective and was assigned to the detective bureau handling various criminal investigations.  For the past seventeen years, Detective LeCaptain has specialized in investigating crimes against children.  Detective LeCaptain has developed advanced knowledge and expertise in investigating crimes against children which has been noted not only by his peers and supervisors, but also by local and state child protection agencies, prosecutors, and the courts.
 
Even though investigating crimes against children is difficult, often taking an emotional and mental toll on the investigator, Detective LeCaptain continues to lead the way in this important work to help protect children. Detective LeCaptain’s expertise and dedication throughout the years has resulted in several arrests and convictions of dangerous child predators.  His work helps keep our children safe, has undoubtedly helped prevent crime against children, and has brought a level of justice, and in some cases closure, to victims of crimes.  Detective LeCaptain’s work and dedication are greatly appreciated and worthy of recognition.
 
 
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
RACHAEL C. ANTHONEY
Rachael Anthoney has been employed by the Janesville Police Department since 2019 as a second shift records clerk.  During her short time with the department, Rachael has certainly made a positive impact. Rachael is a motivated and dependable employee, arriving to work each day in a positive mood.  Rachael is quick to take initiative and often completes tasks that may be requested of her BEFORE the request is even made! Rachael has quickly become a “go to” on her shift as a source of knowledge in the records division.
 
In addition to her knowledge within the records division, Rachael excels in dealing with citizens both in person and on the phone. Records is often the first point of contact for upset, concerned, or inquisitive citizens who arrive at or call the Janesville Police Department. Thankfully Rachael always makes a positive first impression. Rachael is able to answer questions knowledgably and can de-escalate citizens when they are upset with her calming persona. She handles all customer interactions with kindness and a true desire to help, even in trying situations.
 
While dealing with continual changes at work these past 2 years due to COVID and staffing, Rachael has kept a positive attitude and continued to make improvements with our warrant processes specifically. Rachael first became the backup warrant entry clerk in 2020 in preparation of the retirement of another clerk.  She then transitioned to the primary warrant entry clerk and has since trained 2 additional backups on 1st and 3rd shift. To accomplish this, Rachael would either come in early or stay late to train the clerks with the least amount of disruption to the shifts. 
She has worked with the District Attorney’s office and other law enforcement agencies on unusual warrants and has become a resource for all the clerks.
 
While these past years have undoubtedly been difficult for us all, Rachael faced great personal loss with the passing of her father in 2020 due to COVID-19.  Her dedication to the Janesville Police Department could not have been more apparent, as she returned to work as quickly as possible and with the same upbeat attitude as always.  Her actions during that time were nothing short of courageous.
 
Rachael’s knowledge, attitude, and will to always do her best makes her quite deserving of receiving this award.  She employs the mission of the Janesville Police Department daily, and carries herself with pride, honor, courage, and respect.   Rachael’s dedication and work product is utterly respected and appreciated.
 
 
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
LIEUTENANT JOSHUA M. NOREM
Lieutenant Joshua Norem has been employed with the Janesville Police Department since 2005. He currently supervises third shift patrol officers. Lieutenant Norem has provided leadership for the department for many years including serving on the Safety Committee and  Commendation Committee and  leading the Street Crimes Unit.  Lt. Norem has received the many awards including Letter of Appreciation, two Problem Oriented Policing awards, and three Chief's Commendations.
 
The department has asked a lot of Lt. Norem. In 2021 the department needed assistance in our Community Services Division, and he assumed the duties - through 2022. He worked on community outreach and managed all the department’s training scheduling. At the same time, we needed assistance with our detective bureau. Lt. Norem assumed command of the Detective Bureau while still assisting Community Services. During COVID he was instrumental in setting up our 7 separate work locations. He also led our Calls for Service Reduction Team and analyzed  processes and offered efficiencies for the department.
 
Lieutenant Norem is a selfless leader and often puts service to the community before his own personal interests.
 
 
EXEMPLARY SERVICE CITATION
COURT OFFICER JEFFREY A. WINIARSKI
Officer Jeffery A. Winiarski was hired at the Janesville Police Department on 01/17/2011 before working for Beloit Township for more than 6 years. In his first 11 years at the police department he has accomplished a career’s worth of work and has become a significant contributor to the success of the organization.
 
Officer Winiarski started on B-shift patrol before moving on to the Street Crimes Unit and then to the Court Officer position where he is currently assigned. He is a SWAT sniper, peer support specialist, CIT officer, mentor, DAAT Instructor, VDI instructor, ICAT Instructor, vehicle contact instructor, and firearm armorer.
 
Officer Winiarski is one of our core instructors for in-service training. His expertise defense and arrest tactics, firearms and communication has elevated the level of training we provide. Officer/citizen outcomes have improved significantly with the training provided.
 
Officer Winiarski assisted in the delivery of verbal defense and influence (VDI) training to all police department staff. He also assisted with a county effort to provide VDI training to city staff, Mercy Health System staff, and Rock County Crisis staff. Recently he spoke at a non-profit organization, BIG, to share the police department’s communication training strategy.
 
We rely on Officer Winiarski’s expertise in DAAT. He has become a valued resource for the police department when we review use of force cases. His expertise as an instructor provides valuable input when reviewing and evaluating officer use of force.
 
Officer Winiarski is a strong leader and committed team member. His efforts with peer support let the officers know they are valued and have a resource when they need one. He is a committed father of three and devoted husband to his very tolerant wife Jenna.  Officer Winiarski also coaches is son’s athletic teams and runs his own business in his free time.
 
 
MERITORIOUS SERVICE CITATION
OFFICER JOHN A. MARTINI JR.
OFFICER RYAN T. JAREMKO
OFFICER JEREMY A. WILEY
OFFICER JONATHAN J. WILLIAMS
On 11/20/2021 at 6:48 pm officers were dispatched to 2807 West Court Street for an armed robbery complaint. The owner of Virk’s Liquor Store located at this address called 911 to report his store was robbed. Several officers responded to the area and the scene to work this crime scene.
 
Officer John Williams heard the officers responding to the incident location and listened to the dispatch notes regarding the suspect vehicle. He recognized the registered owners address came back to an address in the City of Beloit Wisconsin.
 
Officer Williams began to patrol south on Center Avenue looking for the vehicle and watching other gas stations searching for the suspect. He saw a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description. He pulled into the parking lot, and saw a male suspect flee from the store and jump in the car. He confirmed this was the suspect from the robbery at 2807 West Court Street. He initiated a vehicle pursuit of a suspect that potentially committed two robberies in just a few minutes. He pursued the vehicle consistent with departmental policy. Officer Jaremko was the secondary vehicle in the pursuit and maintained distance and responded as an effective backup officer. The pursuit headed south leaving Janesville. He coordinated resources from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Beloit Police Department as the pursuit advanced.
 
The pursuit came to a stop in Beloit Wisconsin with Officer Williams vehicle coming to a stop right next to the suspect vehicle, which is not ideal regarding officer safety. Officers Martini, Wiley, and Jaremko were immediately at the aid of Officer Williams who initiated the high risk stop. Officer Martini requested a 40MM launcher as an alternative less lethal tool to help resolve the arrest.  
 
During this stop several officers from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and Beloit Police Department were on scene. This was a high risk very tense situation that required clear communication. Officer Wiley gave clear communication to the suspect. The male suspect eventually exited the vehicle before being told to do so in an abrupt manner further escalating the risk of this stop. The male suspect was holding a long silver metallic object that he “pumped” like a shotgun, trying to encourage officers to shoot him.
 
Officers Jaremko, Martini, Wiley and Williams communicated loudly and clearly to “taze him” signifying this was not a gun. Their constant attention to detail and commitment to training created an outcome that led to the arrest of the robbery suspect. Their patience, as the suspect tried to encourage them to deliver deadly force, was paramount in the outcome of this arrest.
 
 
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATION
OFFICER BENITO E. ROCHA
OFFICER JOSEPH R. SANOVICH
OFFICER AUSTIN B. WELLS
OFFICER MATTHIAS C. MEIKLEJOHN
On 03-10-21 at 3:08am, Rock County Dispatch received a 911 call from a resident in the 2200 block of N. Claremont Dr.  The caller stated a neighboring residence was on fire and flames were visible on the exterior of the home.  Multiple Janesville Police Department officers and Janesville Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. 
 
Officers arrived on scene prior to the fire departments arrival. Officers located an active fire on the southwest side of a residence which was producing visible flames and thick black smoke.  The reporting person yelled to arriving officers two people may still be inside.
 
Officer Rocha used his flashlight to smash the glass out of a front door to gain entry to the home.  Upon doing so, Officer Rocha observed an elderly female inside the residence.  Officer Rocha entered the home with Officers Meiklejohn, Wells, and Sanovich.  The home was filled with smoke. The female resident told officers her husband was in a back room.  Officer Rocha observed the female attempting to go back in for belongings and convinced her to exit.  Officer Rocha carried the female from the residence outside to safety.  She was escorted to an arriving ambulance.
 
Officers Wells, Meiklejohn, and Sanovich continued a search of the residence.  Officer Wells located an elderly male in a back bedroom.  Officers Wells, Meiklejohn, and Sanovich assisted the elderly male to his feet and aided him through the smoke-filled residence out to an arriving ambulance.   
 
Officers successfully evacuated both elderly residents from the home as Janesville Fire Department units were arriving on scene.  The reporting person who notified Rock County dispatch about the fire contacted the Janesville Police Department the following day to say “the officers had saved the residents lives.” Officers Rocha, Wells, Sanovich, and Meiklejohn entered a burning, smoke-filled home placing themselves in danger to rescue two elderly people who otherwise may not have been able to get out of the home safely.
 
 
PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING AWARD
STREET CRIMES UNIT (SCU)
SERGEANT AARON L. DAMMEN
OFFICER SHAUN P. MAHAFFEY
OFFICER DANIEL L. SCHOONOVER
OFFICER LYLE R. HOLLINGSHEAD
OFFICER MATTHEW J. ZIMBORSKI
OFFICER BENJAMIN L. FUHRMANN
The Street Crimes Unit (SCU) is being awarded the Problem Oriented Policing Award because the scope of their contributions to the Janesville Community is much greater than only drug investigations. In addition to “drug work” they investigate and contribute to the following: human trafficking investigations & multijurisdictional cases, DEC (Drug Endangered Children), DROP (Death, Rehabilitation, or Prison), local and multijurisdictional traffic interdictions, warrant apprehensions, alcohol and tobacco violations, high visibility patrol efforts/targeted neighborhood problems, patrol resource support , investigations support , social media and internet investigations, high risk offender group, internal and external training the community, schools, & business’s, Federal Marshall’s apprehension team, burglaries, Robberies, and thefts.
 
The amount seized in 2021 was the most if SCU’s history since it was started in 2005. The total value seized by SCU in 2021 was $464,033 in drugs, cash, guns and vehicle seizures. Also, gun seizures were at an all-time high. To give this perspective the total amount of cash, property, and drugs seized by SCU from 2016 – 2020 was $287,000. Clearly this reflects and active, well-trained, and focused unit.   
 
In 2021 SCU linked its efforts directly with patrol. They formed a unit made up of patrol officers who wanted to be pro-active against drug and gun crimes. The Targeted Enforcement Team was created.  SCU provided training to the patrol officers who became members of the Targeted Enforcement Team. This training will not only be useful when working SCU operations but will be useful when patrol officers are working their daily assignments.  In 2021 SCU coordinated 4 targeted interdiction operations that were highly productive.  In each of these operations, guns and drugs were taken off the streets and criminals were taken to jail.
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  CITIZEN
MR. TIMOTHY HOPKINS & MRS. CHRISTINE HOPKINS
On August 28, 2021, at 5:24 pm citizens Timothy and Christine Hopkins took notice of suspicious activity near Columbus Circle and Glen St. They saw a vehicle that looked almost like a squad car (black and white) appearing to have been spray painted with a spray can driving slowly in the neighborhood. At about the same time they noticed a person coming out of a garage and walking in the area. They knew this person was not from the neighborhood and was not to be going in the garage. They followed the suspect in an effort to monitor his activity and report information to responding officers. They found themselves at times running to keep watch. There came a point the suspect and Mr. Hopkins had a confrontation. The suspect was being very evasive and clearly did not want anyone to know who he was or why he was there. Mr. Hopkins was taking photos of the suspect. The suspect in response displayed a handgun, snatched Mr. Hopkin’s phone from his hand, and broke it. The suspect then fled on foot.
 
Responding officers were able to locate the suspect and take him into custody without incident. Mr. & Mrs. Hopkins were able to aid in confirming officers had the right person in custody. The suspect was taken to jail on multiple charges. In addition, the suspicious vehicle was located nearby. It was discovered the vehicle had been stolen from another jurisdiction. Also, another suspect was located and arrested on multiple charges. Mr. & Mrs. Hopkins’ efforts ensured two criminals were removed from the streets and not able to commit further crimes or injure anyone.
 
This is a great example of a team effort between a community and law enforcement working together making Janesville a safe and desirable place to live.
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  CITIZEN
MR. JASON SCHLIMGEN
On May 8th, 2021, City of Janesville Parks employee Jason Schlimgen was working in the area of Bond Park when he saw a younger male holding a firearm.  Mr. Schlimgen felt this was suspicious, so he called the 911 center to report this.  Prior to officers arriving, the male suspect left the park westbound on a bicycle.  Mr. Schlimgen provided a good clothing description and officers quickly located the suspect by the Dollar General store on W. Court St.  The suspect was detained, and officers located a loaded .40 cal semi-auto handgun on his person.  The suspect, a 17-year-old male, was arrested for several charges and a dangerous weapon was removed from the street.  This same individual was involved in several disturbance calls prior to this incident and future calls involving this person could have escalated to him using the firearm.  The Janesville Police Department commends Jason for acting on his suspicions and helping deter the potential of gun violence.
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  BUSINESS
BLAIN’S SUPPLY, INC
Farm and Fleet got its start in Janesville in June of 1955. Claude and Bert Blain were committed to the Janesville area. They were intent on providing a retail service for the community and the surrounding area that was focused on the hard-working customers in the area. Blain’s Supply’s values have not changed and are just as present today as they were 67 years ago.
 
In March of 2020 the world was faced with a global pandemic that has lasted for 24 months and counting. In the early days of the pandemic personal protective equipment was hard to come by. Things like hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes were in high demand and low supply.
 
In March of 2021 Farm and Fleet / Blain’s Supply assisted the community with a donation event to locate hand sanitizer for front line workers which included the Janesville Fire Department, the Janesville Police Department, and the Janesville School District. Blain’s Supply helped sponsor this event and fulfil the needs of other frontline workers, while Farm and Fleet remained open and their staff was faced with the same threat of exposure as other frontline workers.
 
Blain’s Supply partnered with the Janesville Police Department for Shop with a Cop this past year, as they have others past years also.  Blaine’s Supply has opened their warehouse facility to provide a training site for multi-agency S.W.A.T. training. Blaine’s Supply has been a destination site for dignitaries in the past several years as well.
 
Farm and Fleet, Blain’s Supply is a part of Janesville not just because they have a business here, but because they are part of the community. Their dedication to the community and the Janesville Police Department has enhanced our safety, the safety of the community and is greatly appreciated.
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  BUSINESS
NOWLAN LAW LLP
During 2021 Nowlan Law LLP donated ninety copies of “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement” Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. These copies are not only being distributed to Janesville police officers and their families but to other county wide agencies as well.
 
“Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement” offers insights on some of the burdens and personality changes that law enforcement officers and their families experience throughout a career in public service. It offers a unique perspective on the climate of a profession which can be rewarding and engaging one minute and demoralizing and distant the next. Conversely, while recognizing these dualities it also offers an individual to reflect on their own personal welfare and the well-being of family members.
 
With the distribution of this publication, Nowlan has assisted in creating a pathway to reach out to all law enforcement agencies which can have a positive effect on the well-being of the families and men and women who serve our community
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  BUSINESS
PRENT CORPORATION
Prent Corporation generously donated approximately $35,000 to the Janesville Police Department for the purchase of pistol mounted Trijicon RMR optics for every officer community. Pistol mounted optics allow officers to truly shoot with both eyes open increasing situation awareness. The increased situational awareness allows officers to make better informed use of force decisions. For example, a suspect who decides to lower a weapon at the last moment, or a suspect who brandishes an object like a weapon to elicit an officer to fire. In either circumstance, the ability for an officer to make a more accurate use of force decision has the potential to be lifesaving. Pistol mounted optics also allow officers to obtain a more precise sight picture, objectively increasing accuracy. The ability for officers to more accurately fire rounds to the intended target increases the probability of rounds impacting only the intended target. Prent Corporation’s generous donation has allowed Janesville Police Department officers to remain ahead of the curve regarding equipment, training, and reputation.
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  BUSINESS
MY APARTMENT PUB & GRILL
My Apartment Pub and Grill is a smaller family-owned hometown Janesville restaurant owned and run by owners, Patty and Chuck Reynolds. They have kind hearts and a deep love and respect for the Janesville police department and the Janesville community as a whole.
 
They persevered through the pandemic because their food and menu are great and most importantly, they treat all those who come through their business doors like family, which has in turn brought generations of families back as customers.
 
In 2021 My Apartment Pub and Grill made a very generous donation of food (hotdogs) to sponsor and support the Janesville Police Department’s National Night Out. Their contribution aided in making the event a success and probably helped increase attendance. Patty and Chuck Reynolds
frequently show community support though their regular generous donations.
 
 
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AWARD:  BUSINESS
SEXUAL ASSAULT RECOVERY PROGRAM (SARP)
The police department would like to recognize the Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP) for their efforts with survivors of sexual abuse in our city. Starting in 2017 a new relationship was forged with SARP and they have worked tirelessly and cooperatively with us and other partners to render aid and services for people. Their efforts have made a direct impact on the furtherance of cases and building stronger victims/witnesses through their support. They work with the department closely with human trafficking efforts and have graciously taken over the host privileges of that multi-disciplinary team. In doing so the long-term sustainability has been achieved through their hard work.
 
The SARP program members have assisted countless times after hours with individuals providing rides, food, clothing, counseling, support, and even paying for transportation. More recently they assisted with the return of a juvenile runaway from out of state. They offered to cover the cost of the $800 air fare for the parent to fly here and for them both to return home. Their direct impact on our community through their continued support has not only helped our criminal cases, but they have also strengthened the bond of advocacy support and law enforcement officers in the Rock County and surrounding area. We are lucky to have this group within our city as a continued resource and we look forward to many more years of our partnership.