Full Notification

To the Citizens of Janesville
 
I was taken aback when I read the online headline “Denise Stutika, whose pistol misfired at school, retires from the Janesville Police Department”.  The article fleetingly comments on her service to the community and then rehashes the incident in which her weapon was inadvertently discharged at Edison Middle School.  Collectively, the writing suggests that her departure from the Janesville Police Department was related to the weapon discharge incident.
 
Here is what the article did not share; Officer Stutika served our community for 25 years, served on our Domestic Violence Intervention Team, SWAT Negotiator, Peer Support Team, Street Crimes Unit and bike officer.  For the last seven years, Officer Stutika was assigned to Edison Middle School passionately providing safety for the school and guidance for many students.
 
Officer Stutika developed PACT, Promoting Attendance for Children and Teens.  During the Summer months and other times when schools are closed, she partnered with Janesville School officials to visit the homes of truant students and worked with parents to ensure their children attended school.  The outcomes of PACT were impressive, allowing many students to continue their educational experience.  Officer Stutika received the police department’s Problem-Oriented Policing Award for her efforts.  Letters in her personnel file speak to her care and compassion for others.
 
The Janesville Gazette provided numerous articles on the weapon discharge at the time of the incident.  The police department supported the public disclosure of the matter.   
 
Today’s article is unfortunate and serves to diminish the reputable career of Officer Stutika. 
 
Chief David Moore