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The Janesville Police Department awarded three Chief's Commendations last week.

This award is given by the Chief of Police to any employee who performs a particularly noteworthy act of service. The action of the employee must be beyond the normal expectation of duty and based upon a determined and intelligent performance. Officers Joshua Johnson, Jonathan Williams, and Matthew Schieve each received a Letter of Commendation for their actions listed below.

On January 21, 2023 at 2:42 a.m., Janesville Police third shift officers were sent to the 400 Block of N Pearl St for a report of gun shots that had been fired. At 3:06 a.m., another report was received of a gun shot being fired in the 2300 Block of Harvard Dr. At the time of the initial investigation, three shell casings had been located and there was limited cooperation from those involved. A female that was known to have been on Pearl St was found on Harvard Dr and was arrested on a probation violation. She was suspected to be involved in both shootings, but at that time there was nothing to support an arrest.

Officers Joshua Johnson, Jonathan Williams, and Matthew Schieve went to Harvard Dr where a shell casing was located matching the other incident. Officer Schieve and Officer Williams gained additional intelligence from the suspect and they, along with Officer Johnson, conducted a consent search of the residence. This yielded two handguns, including one that was stolen. Officer Joshua Johnson handled proper evidence tagging of all items located.

The following day, Officer Williams interviewed the suspect and gained a confession in regards to one of the shootings, along with buying, possessing, and trying to sell both guns, as a convicted felon.

Their actions together showed great teamwork and initiative. Using limited information, they immediately began working these cases, which resulted in an arrest for multiple firearm related charges and taking two guns off of the street.

Their performance and dedication is deeply appreciated and respected by the police department and the Janesville community. Their dedicated efforts and focus on Janesville’s nine-point gun crime plan have a direct relationship to the level of safety in the City of Janesville. They strongly support the mission of the Janesville Police Department.