2000 Honorable Mention TOP COP Awards® Winners

§ ALABAMA – Officer Clint G. Barnett, Calera Police Department
Officer Clint G. Barnett was nominated by Chief of Police Jim Finn to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his outstanding courage and work on March 15, 1999 at a quarry accident that occurred near Calera, Alabama. A quarry employee with 41 years of service backed an 85 ton haul truck over a quarry high wall while preparing to dump into the quarry. The truck fell to the quarry floor, killing the driver and partially submerging the vehicle in a deep pool of water. Officer Barnett coordinated an underwater recovery of the victim’s body, which helped bring closure to the tragic incident. Officer Barnett did not think of his own safety, but only of helping the family of the victim.

§ ARKANSAS – Resident Agent in Charge Jeff Yllander, Drug Enforcement Agency, Little Rock, AR
Agent in Charge Jeff Yllander was nominated by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Susan B. Tischler to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his efforts to redirect the Little Rock Resident Office (LRRO) in order to process clandestine methamphetamine laboratories more efficiently. With the assistance of U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) funding, the DEA trained state and local offices to process labs in order to lighten the load of the LRRO. Due to Yllander's efforts, the LRRO is now able to concentrate on repeat offenders and stopping drug traffickers with ties to California and Mexico. The initiatives led by Yllander have allowed for a more comprehensive approach to narcotics investigations in the Eastern District of Arkansas.

§ CONNECTICUT – Patrolman Daniel Foito, Clinton Police Department
Patrolman Daniel Foito was nominated by Deputy Chief Charles O. Hynes to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his bravery, courage and quick response in saving a mother and her unborn baby’s life. The day Officer Foito turned 32 years of age, he went to work, and encountered a deadly situation. He was dispatched to woman in trouble at a local hotel. When he arrived, there was a pregnant woman who had been stabbed multiple times. The woman’s attacker then confronted Officer Foito. The attacker continued to try to get to his victim, slashing a knife through the air. Officer Foito shielded the woman with his body and retreated. The attacker, who after being told multiple times to stop, kept proceeding toward the victim and Officer Foito. Officer Foito was forced to stop the situation by using deadly force. The mother was rushed to the hospital where she and her newborn baby recovered. The attacker perished on the scene. Due to the quick skills of Officer Foito, he and the newborn will have a better birthday next year. -

§ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – Officer Andre R. Suber, Metropolitan Police Department
Officer Andre R. Suber was nominated by Chief Charles H. Ramsey to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his actions on May 31, 1999. After receiving a call that a murder suspect was heading his way in a high-speed vehicle, Officer Suber positioned himself in order to stop the suspect and as the car passed him, he followed the car. During the course of the chase, the passenger began shooting out the window at Officer Suber. This continued until the car crashed into a barrier. Officer Suber went to assist the suspects from the burning car and had them apprehended by then time back up arrived.

§ DELAWARE – Detective Richard D. Iardella, Wilmington Police Department, ATF Task Force
Detective Richard Iardella was nominated by Special Agent Diane M. Iardella to receive the TOP COPS Award® for the time and dedication spent on the case involving the disappearance of Anne Marie Fahey. Detective Iardella, while working on an ATF Task Force, was asked to go undercover in an effort to gain evidence against Thomas Capano for Fahey’s murder. After several months undercover, Iardella gained the confidence and eventually the cooperation, of Capano's brother, Gerald. Gerald’s testimony on how he helped his brother, Thomas, dispose of Fahey’s body gave the evidence necessary to charge Thomas Capano’s with murder. Due to Iardella's excellent skills as an undercover detective and the considerable amount of time he put into the case, prosecutors were able to convict Thomas Capano with murder.

§ FLORIDA – Sergeant John Mina, Orlando Police Department
Officer Andre R. Suber was nominated by Chief Charles H. Ramsey to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his actions on May 31, 1999. After receiving a call that a murder suspect was heading his way in a high-speed vehicle, Officer Suber positioned himself in order to stop the suspect and as the car passed him, he followed the car. During the course of the chase, the passenger began shooting out the window at Officer Suber. This continued until the car crashed into a barrier. Officer Suber went to assist the suspects from the burning car and had them apprehended by then time back up arrived.

§ GEORGIA – Sergeant Scott H. Bennett and Detective James B. Rose, Atlanta Police Department
Sergeant Scott H. Bennett and Detective James B. Rose were nominated by Deputy Chief G.M. Lloyd to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their work in solving a 25-year-old murder investigation. Detective Sam Guy was killed in a 1975 during a robbery, and the case was never solved. In September of 1998, Sergeant Bennett received an anonymous phone call regarding the murder. Detective Rose joined him in an effort to follow-up on the caller's tip and find the murderers. Despite heavy workloads, Rose and Bennett worked tirelessly to find witnesses and piece the case together. After convincing one of the suspects, Abner Wilkinson, to confess, both he and the other suspect, Terry Robert Jackson, were indicted for the murder of Detective Sam Guy. The investigative work by Rose and Bennett led to the closure of a case and the capture of two suspects that had eluded police for 25 years.

§ HAWAII – Officer Darla Abbatiello, Kauai Police Department
Police Officer Darla Abbatiello was nominated by Chief of Police George Freitas to receive the TOP COPS Award® for her tireless work in setting up a Neighborhood Watch Program in the back of the Kauai Veterans Hospital in Waimea. While investigating three burglaries, Officer Abbatiello discovered the area had no Neighborhood Watch program. In order to start the program, she enlisted the help of local children and personally spoke with all of the residents in the area on her own time. Officer Abbatiello spends much of her free time at the Waimea Canyon School and Waimea High School, where she meets with students, teachers, and parents and concentrates on the area of problem students. Most of her work with the community is without compensation, illustrating that personal satisfaction can be a greater reward than any amount of money.

§ IDAHO – Deputy Sheriff Daniel Hamrick, Deputy Sheriff Stuart Smith, and Deputy Sheriff Rodney Wolverton, Jerome County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy Sheriff Daniel Hamrick, Deputy Sheriff Stuart Smith, and Deputy Sheriff Rodney Wolverton were nominated by Sheriff Jim Weaver to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their bravery and dedication in maintaining justice even in the threat of injury. On September 19, 1999, the men responded to a domestic violence situation where Deputies Smith and Hamrick were both wounded by the suspect in a barrage of gunfire. Along with Wolverton, who was the mediator between the suspect and the wounded officers, all the officers were exposed to danger as they attempted to apprehend the suspect. In the end, the suspect was taken into custody after a negotiation with local SWAT units, and both wounded officers were treated and released from the hospital. Deputies Smith, Hamrick and Wolverton were also awarded with the Sheriff’s Medal of Valor for their courage on that day.

§ ILLINOIS – Lieutenant Dolores Deloughery, Chicago Police Department
Lieutenant Dolores Deloughery was nominated by Lieutenant Michelle Owens to receive the TOP COPS Award® for her outstanding community pride and humanitarianism. Lieutenant Deloughery has been extremely active through community policing and has dedicated a great amount of time to volunteering with youths. She enjoys working within the schools and has taken on many projects and events, which unite her with her community. Lt. Deloughery’s dedication to her community and fellow officers has allowed her appointment as the Commanding Officer in her division.

§ INDIANA –Deputy Sheriff John A. Araque, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy John A. Araque was nominated by Master Trooper Michael Andrew Nufer to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his bravery and perseverance during an incident, which took place on November 21, 1999. Deputy Araque responded to a 9-1-1 call concerning a domestic dispute where, unknown to him, three people were already dead from the gunman. Upon arrival, Araque questioned a man outside the building about the 9-1-1 call. However, it turned out to be the gunman who responded with open fire. Araque was hit three times in the leg and hip but was able to injure the gunman. The gunman fled the scene; however, he committed suicide minutes before being located by canine units. Without the intervention of Araque, the gunman probably would have killed more innocent people.

§ IOWA – Patrolman Chad V. Geer, Council Bluffs Police Department
Patrolman Chad V. Geer was nominated by Officer Paul Geer to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his outstanding patrol and apprehension techniques. Officer Geer is responsible for solving several robberies of individuals and banks in the Council Bluffs area. Officer Geer’s keen insight to his instinctive measures came to play when he stopped a truck that had just robbed a bank. This arrest made by Officer Geer led to solving five other robberies in the area.

§ KANSAS – Patrolman Craig Gifford, Corporal Steve Huddleston, Corporal Don Reynolds, Patrolman Dennis Stallbaumer and Patrolman Russell D. Whitehead, Topeka Police Department
Patrolman Craig Gifford, Corporal Steve Huddleston, Corporal Don Reynolds, Patrolman Dennis Stallbaumer, and Patrolman Russell D. Whitehead were nominated by Sergeant William Cochran to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their critical skills as Traffic Homicide Investigators and for clearing 41% of Topeka’s hit and run cases. The national average is approximately 12%. The cases resulted in 1,310 arrests, including first-degree murder. The officers have saved the citizens of Topeka not only financially, but have ensured the prosecution of those who abuse the privilege of driving.

§ KENTUCKY – Police Constable Peter O. Samples, Office of Pendleton County Police Constable
Police Constable Peter O. Samples was nominated by Police Chief Kenneth Lloyd Hale to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his immediate and decisive actions against a threat placed by Daniel Justice on July 19, 1999. Following an informant's tip, Police Constable Samples arrested Daniel Justice for threatening to kill a district judge. He then obtained a search warrant and went to Justice’s home to investigate reports that Justice was preparing pipe bombs to bring to his appearance for charges of Wanton Endangerment at the Pendleton County District Court. Upon arriving at Justice's house, Samples, with the help of other police and fire rescue squads, found and detonated two pipe bombs located inside a duffel bag in the Justice’s family vehicle. Other pipe making materials were found as well. Because of Samples commitment to the community in which he serves, casualties were prevented and a threat to the community and its judicial system was removed.

§ LOUISIANA – Officer Brady J. Ball, formerly with the New Orleans Police Department
Police Officer Brady J. Ball was nominated by Lieutenant David Benelli to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his bravery in entering a situation which posed a threat to his own life and saved a fellow officer’s life. Officer’s Ball and Michael Richard were instructed to transport and secure a prisoner at the Medical Center of Louisiana Hospital. While at the hospital, Ball heard two gunshots being fired and noticed a fellow deputy wounded by another man and still engaged in a struggle. After seeing Officer Ball in the hallway, the suspect raised his gun to kill him, but Ball managed to fire first. Both Officers Ball and Richard were able to help transport the injured Deputy to safety. Officer Ball’s grace under fire and skillful aim in shooting the suspect helped save the lives of innocent people in the hospital. Former Officer Ball is now serving in the U.S. military.

§ MAINE – Officer Glen McGary and Officer James J. Sweatt, Portland Police Department
Officer Glen McGary and Officer James J. Sweatt were nominated by Chief Michael Chitwood to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their actions on September 17, 1999 regarding Kevin Caufield. Earlier in the evening, the officers were called to ask Caufield to leave a bar for harassing patrons. Later Caufield called the bar and threatened to bomb it. An arrest warrant was placed. Upon arriving at his home, Officers McGary and Sweatt Caufield chased Caufield into the garage. Hiding in the dark, Caufield jumped on Sweatt as he walked up the stairs. Caufield began stabbing Sweatt repeatedly. After Officer McGary was able to shoot Caufield in order to protect his partner, he called for help and strategically placed his fingers on Sweatt’s bleeding artery inside of his neck. This action saved Sweatt's life. Despite the struggles Officer Sweatt has faced in recuperating, he is determined to regain his position on the force.

§ MARYLAND – Detective Brian K. Brennan, Baltimore County Police Department, RATT Unit
Detective Brian K. Brennan was nominated by Captain Stephen Preston Vaughan to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his courage and clear thinking when he witnessed an attempted murder. On March 6, 1999, Brennan stopped a car that was swerving back and forth on a road. He then proceeded to see the female passenger shot three times by the male suspect. Through negotiation, Brennan was able to get the suspect to drop his weapon and handcuff him. Then, he began first aid on the wounded victim until additional assistance arrived. It was later learned that the suspect had kidnapped the victim and had threatened to kill her throughout her captivity. Brennan was able to save the life of the victim and apprehend the suspect without any further injury. At the time of the incident, Brennan was a patrol officer. Now he is a detective in the Regional Auto Theft Team. (R.A.T.T.)

§ MASSACHUSETTS – Officer William I. Griffiths, and Officer Edmund J. Rautenberg, Jr., Boston Police Department Officer William I. Griffiths and Officer Edmund J. Rautenberg were nominated by Police Officer Robert Butler to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their heroic actions in dealing with an individual wanting to commit “suicide by cop.” These two officers responded to the scene where a person who was threatening to kill himself. After confronting the individual, the officers faced a deadly situation and had to defend themselves from the suspect who was waving a three-inch military sword, an ax, and a knife at them. The officers were able to use their pepper spray and subdue the individual. Due to their quick action and reaction, these two officers saved an individual who wanted to be killed by the police.

§ MICHIGAN – Police Officer David Mark Revore, Township of Kalamazoo Police Department
Police Officer David Mark Revore was nominated by Donald Eugene Smith, FOP President, Lodge 98, to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his bravery under attack on September 1, 1999. Officer Revore attempted to pull a car over after the suspect ran a stop sign. The suspect, John Lee Moseley, pulled into a residential neighborhood and fled on foot, but was pursued by Officer Revore. During the foot pursuit, Mr. Moseley managed to return to his car where he retrieved a .38 caliber revolver and shot Officer Revore three times at point blank range. Officer Revore retreated to an area behind Moseley’s vehicle. Moseley then climbed back into his vehicle, presumably in an attempt to drive away, but couldn’t because the vehicle was blocked. Therefore the only route of escape available to him was through the officer. Fearing the suspect would try to run him down or shoot at him again, (the pistol was still visible in Moseley’s hand) Officer Revore fired at the suspect numerous times, striking him twice and disabling him. Moseley’s vehicle then lurched forward and slammed into a garage. Officer Revore then radioed for assistance and stood guard over the suspect until back-up units arrived. Officer Revore was injured by the three gun-shot wounds, but has since returned to full-duty.

§ MINNESOTA – Sergeant Patricia Englund, and Police Officer Richard Straka, St. Paul Police Department
Sergeant Patricia Englund and Police Officer Richard Straka were nominated by Lieutenant Carol Sletner to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their role in the arrest and conviction of eight notorious gang members who sexually battered young women in the St. Paul area. Both of these officers devoted countless hours of on-duty and volunteer time to this case and demonstrated compassion and excellent investigative skills. Through their dedicated efforts, they dismantled a vicious gang, saved many young women from great harm, and made their community a safer place.

§ MISSISSIPPI – Commander Maury Schuh, Lee County Vice Narcotics Task Force
Commander Maury Schuh was nominated by Deputy Sheriff Robert Arendt to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his outstanding performance in producing numerous arrests and seizures as well as his ability to work undercover during extreme stress. In 1999, Commander Schuh put together 202 felony cases and 197 misdemeanor cases. His undercover skills have led to the arrests of many repeat offenders and he has handled pressure on the job with ease. Schuh works diligently to eliminate the drug problem in Mississippi as well as train other officers to make his community a safer place.

§ MONTANA – Detective Jeff. Beecroft, Narcotics Detective Richard E. Hollis, Detective Jim Wells, Great Falls Police Department, Special Agent Ronald E. Mosback, Jr. Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent John Nielson, Internal Revenue Service
Detective Jeffery D. Beecroft, Detective Richard E. Hollis, and Detective James D. Wells of the Great Falls Police Department in Montana along with Special Agent Ronald Mosback of the FBI, and Special Agent John Nielson of the IRS of the United States Custom Office were nominated by Senior Special Agent Chuck J. Mazzilli to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their personal sacrifice and dedication in the investigation of the "Notre 14 Gang." This notorious group was responsible for the smuggling of large quantities of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, from Mexico into Pasco, Washington and Great Falls, Montana and laundering of proceeds from narcotic sales among other crimes. Through undercover purchases of drugs, countless hours of surveillance, examinations of hundreds of financial documents, the above mentioned awardees were able to identify, arrest, and convict twenty-three members of the group. These officers illustrate how cooperation and hard work on both federal and local law enforcement levels can help combat crime in this country.

§ NEBRASKA – Trooper Andrew Duis, Nebaska State Police
Trooper Andrew Duis was nominated by Major Andy Anderson to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his dedication to the war against illegal drugs. In 1999 alone, he seized 902 pounds of marijuana, 8 pounds of methamphetamine, and 2 pounds of cocaine. He seized all of these drugs during the course of ten different traffic stops. In most of these cases, the drugs could have been missed if Trooper Duis had not paid so much attention to detail. He illustrates that being a hero can be an on-going dedication to the field of justice and not just one act of heroism during a critical incident.

§ NEW HAMPSHIRE – Corporal Daniel Malone, Milan Police Department
Corporal Daniel Malone was nominated by Chief Dayna Robert Strout to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his role in peacefully ending a standoff with William Tibbetts on August 8, 1999. Corporal Malone was the first responding officer on the scene. He notified other Milan officers, and then initiated the efforts that led to Mrs. Tibbetts being safely removed from the home in which her husband, William, was holding her hostage. Corporal Malone was responsible for the telephone contact with Tibbetts to end the standoff. After only an hour, Tibbetts agreed to surrender peacefully. Officer Malone's quick actions prevented any injuries during the incident.

§ NEW MEXICO – Correctional Officer Anthony Rodriguez, Department of Corrections, Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, Property/ Drug Testing
Correctional Officer Anthony Rodriguez was nominated by Deputy Warden Carl ToersBijns to receive the TOP COPS Award® for setting up an effective inmate property system and testing system for those believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Officer Rodriguez has been the main support in perfecting the Department's computer system. This program will provide law enforcement with information pertaining to crime in the area, convicted felon activity, and increase communication to further protect the community. Officer Rodriguez has worked unselfishly to put the computer database into effect and increase safety in prisons as well as the community.

§ NEW YORK – Sergeant R. Scott DePietro, and Drug Enforcement Officer David P. Mitchell, City of Jamestown Police Department, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force
Drug Enforcement Unit Detective David Mitchell and Sergeant R. Scott DePietro were nominated by Patrolman Frederick DeGolier to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their dedication to the law enforcement profession relating to a September 15, 1999 attack. Detective Mitchell set up a meeting with James Lewis to discuss Lewis’ earlier arrest on drug related charges. Upon arriving on the scene, Mitchell, the driver, rolled down his window to speak with Lewis. Lewis pulled a gun, fired a shot into the car, and struck Mitchell just below the right eye. Some bullet and bone fragments pierced Mitchell’s brain. Lewis, unaware that Sergeant DePietro was in the passenger's seat, fled the scene. Sergeant DePietro chased after Lewis. Lewis fired at DePietro, but DePietro fired back, hitting Lewis in the lower abdomen area. DePietro trapped a wounded Lewis in a nearby house house until additional help arrived. He then set up a search area, while making sure his partner was immediately taken to the hospital. Despite the severe injuries, Mitchell is remarkably alive and continuing to recover.

§ NORTH CAROLINA – Patrolman Christopher Claude Toriello, Asheboro Police Department
Patrolman Christopher Claude Toriello was nominated by Lieutenant Max Allen Benbow to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his actions on May 5,1999. After murdering two women and then carjacking a passerby, a murder suspect locked himself into an apartment building and set fire to it, apparently attempting suicide. Patrolman Toriello, putting his own safety aside, volunteered to climb into the burning building to save the suspect. Patrolman Toriello successfully removed the man from danger, going above and beyond the call of duty for the protection and safety of others.

§ NORTH DAKOTA – Community Relation/ Crime Prevention Officer Leo Rognlin, Fargo Police Department,
Community Relations/Crime Prevention Officer Leo Rognlin was nominated by Lieutenant Marvin J. Huckle to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his efforts in crime prevention activities. In 1999, Officer Rognlin established a "Church Watch Program" to prevent the frequent burglaries of Fargo churches. To help with the growing immigrant population, Officer Rognlin began a program to educate new immigrants of local laws and diminish their fear of law enforcement developed in their previous country. Officer Rognlin's commitment to crime prevention has further created cooperation in all city government projects to create a safer community. Instead of concentrating solely on solving crimes already committed, Officer Rognlin has worked towards improving the City of Fargo before crimes happen.

§ OHIO – Major Gil Borchers, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
Major Gil Borchers was nominated by Sheriff Al Myers to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his excellent work in an emergency situation. While on special duty at the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Golf Tournament, Major Borchers responded to a 9-1-1 call concerning the sudden cardiac arrest of 17-year-old Scott Kelley. Along with assistance of the paramedics and an automated external defibrillator (AED) in his vehicle, Borchers delivered the shock that started the soon-to-be high school graduate's heart again. Without the AED in Borcher's vehicle and Borchers’ experience with the device, Scott Kelley may not be here today.

§ OKLAHOMA – Officer Steven S. Downie, Tulsa Police Department
Officer Steven S. Downie was nominated by Sergeant William S. Goree to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his dedication in locating subjects known to have open warrants, especially those with a history of violence. In 1999, he led the Tulsa Police Department with 160 felony arrests, served 191 felony arrest warrants, made 99 misdemeanor arrests, and served 305 misdemeanor warrants. Officer Downie received the Tulsa Police Department Chief’s Award and was recognized by the American Red Cross in their “Everyday Heroes” luncheon for his work on the Daniel William’s case. This case dealt with an attack by two suspects on Daniel Williams, a twelve-year-old boy, on March 14, 1999 resulting in a concussion and numerous bruises to Williams's face and body. Downie worked during his off-duty time in locating the suspects who were eventually found. This is just one of the many examples of Downie’s devotion to law enforcement.

§ OREGON – Police Officer Mark Stevens, Portland Police Bureau
Police Officer Mark Stevens was nominated by Commander Greg E. Clark to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his commitment to the safety of his partner and the community during a call on June 4, 1999. Officer Stevens and his partner, Officer Keith Jones, reported to an apartment building on a domestic violence call. The officers were met with gunfire from a darkened apartment including one bullet that hit Officer Jones in the throat. Officer Stevens quickly began to engage the suspect, with no regard for his own safety only the thoughts of protecting those around him. Faced with a police ambush, Officer Stevens’ quick actions ended the situation, wounding the suspect. Due to Officer Stevens' quick reactions and excellent use of his training, the suspect's wife and children went unharmed.

§ PENNSYLVANIA – Detective MaryJane Perry, Philadelphia Police Department
Detective MaryJane Perry was nominated by Group Supervisor Thomas L. Stankiewicz to receive the TOP COPS Award® for her investigation and closure of a firearms trafficking ring in 1999. After receiving information from firearms dealers of suspicious multiple purchases, Detective Perry followed her instinct and set up numerous surveillance sites, which resulted in charges brought against 25 individuals. Detective Perry developed additional investigative techniques to establish the conspiracy and went above the normal call of duty to shut down a dangerous operation and help her community.

§ RHODE ISLAND – Patrolman Michael Cileli, Sr., Patrolman Scott P. McGregor, and Patrolman Robert Yekelchik, Providence Police Department
Patrolman Michael D. Cileli Sr., Patrolman Robert Yekelchik, and Patrolman Scott P. McGregor Cileli Sr. were nominated by Chief of Police Urbano Prignano Jr. to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their ability to remain under control while attempting to apprehend two armed gunmen. On November 30, 1999, these men responded to what they believed to be a routine call. However, they soon found themselves in a gun struggle with two criminals. Officer Cileli received a bullet to his leg, but all the officers continued to return fire until the suspects fled the second story building. The officers managed to call for backup and give valuable information in order to start a yard-by-yard search of the suspects. Because of their prompt actions, the Providence Police Department apprehended the two gunmen.

§ SOUTH CAROLINA – Deputy Roxanne Meetze, Richland County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy Roxanne Meetze was nominated by Sheriff Leon Lott to receive the TOP COPS Award® for her actions involving a report of shots fired on the morning of March 25, 1999. Deputy Meetze responded and after finding the suspects in a car, a 40-minute high-speed chase through three counties ensued. After police stopped the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect took an AK-47 assault rifle, exited the car and aimed at the police. Upon seeing this aggressive action, Deputy Meetze and Kershaw County Lieutenant Jim Miller were forced to fatally shoot the suspect. The two other suspects involved were later caught. Deputy Meetze's actions beginning with her initial response, the chase, and her defensive shooting were exactly as she had been trained and the result was no innocent lives lost.

§ SOUTH DAKOTA – Deputy Sheriff Joey Collins, Brookings County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy Sheriff Joey Collins was nominated by Sheriff Martin E. Stanwick to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his role as a teacher, mentor, and role model to students in Brookings County. He has played a key role in expanding the exposure of the police department in county schools and also teaches the D.A.R.E program to fifth graders in the county. Besides the D.A.R.E. program, he is the liaison for many county schools where he works closely with the administration, guidance counselors, and other outside agencies. He also helped organize mock alcohol accidents in schools to bring awareness about the effects of drinking and driving.

§ TENNESSEE – Detective William B. Mackall, Jr., Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
Detective William B. Mackall Jr. was nominated by Lieutenant Melvin Brown to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his work in street level drug enforcement. Since 1995, Detective Mackall has been a part of the countywide crime suppression unit and in 1999 he was the main anchor of the group of detectives. That year he made hundreds of undercover drug arrests and performed numerous dangerous undercover roles. On January 12, 1999, he was responsible for the arrest of Curtis Mapp, a local drug dealer, who had eluded police for years and later pled guilty for his numerous offenses. Mapp’s house was seized and forfeited. It will be used by the police department’s D.A.R.E. program.

§ TEXAS – Officer Barry W. Ragsdale, Dallas Police Department Narcotics Division
Officer Barry W. Ragsdale was nominated by Sergeant Kenneth P. LeCesne to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his outstanding arrests, seizures and accomplishments made under deep cover in 1999. Officer Ragsdale infiltrated a large drug trafficking organization known as the "Texas Syndicate Prison Gang." The result was the seizure of more than $1,000,000 in currency, over 50 vehicles, $500,000 in jewelry, real estate seizures, and 60 assault weapons. Working under these dangerous conditions for three years, Officer Ragsdale also was responsible for the arrests of many drug dealers and maintains the highest example of what a team player should be in the war on drugs.

§ VERMONT – Sergeant John Imburgio and Trooper First Class Barbara Kessler, Vermont State Police
Sergeant John Imburgio and Trooper Barbara Kessler were nominated by Major Robert Vallie to receive the TOP COPS Award® for their outstanding performance in saving two motor vehicle accident victims. Trooper Kessler was driving her routine route when she noticed some dirt on the road that was not there earlier in her shift. Instead of ignoring it, she investigated the road and found two partially ejected victims in a vehicle upside down. After Sergeant Imburgio arrived on the scene, he and Trooper Kessler made the difficult decision to cut the woman free from her car. The woman’s life was in the balance as Imburgio and Kessler used their judgement and decided to free the woman. Rather than wait for EMS to arrive, Trooper Kessler and Sergeant Imburgio opened themselves to possible lawsuit because they felt attempting to free the woman was the best option. In the end, the woman survived. Imburgio and Kessler are accredited with saving the woman’s life because of their quick thinking and excellent skills.

§ VIRGINIA – Police Officer Bryan P. Cilento, Chesapeake Police Department
Police Officer Bryan P. Cilento was nominated by First Sergeant Robert C. Castellow to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his courage and commitment to the citizens of the City of Chesapeake. On December 31, 1999, Officer Cilento and other officers of the department responded to a robbery at a fast food restaurant, which turned into a wild chase into a wooded area for robber, Donald Brown. Officer Cilento attempted to search for Brown, and a gunfight between the two ensued. During this gunfight, Cilento received several shotgun pellets in his face and left hand. However, he was able to fire shots that hit Brown, who was later taken into custody. Officer Cilento was released from the hospital within a few days and returned to his full duty as soon as his wounds healed. On March 16, 2000, Donald Brown pleaded guilty to attempted capital murder of Officer Cilento and six related felony charges.

§ WEST VIRGINIA – Sergeant Dwayne L. Bowles, West Virginia State Police, and Senior Trooper Tim L. Bragg, West Virginia State Patrol
Sergeant Dwayne L. Bowles and Senior Trooper Tim L. Bragg were nominated by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney R. Kevin Hanson to receive the TOP COPS Award® for the capture of both Kyle Aaron Dobschensky and Jennifer Arlene Gibbs on January 25, 1999. Dobschensky and Gibbs had escaped from the Midland Michigan Jail and committed crimes in several states including Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia. They had also been featured on "America's Most Wanted." Dobschensky pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder, fugitive from justice, escape and several other state crimes and was also indicted on four federal charges.

§ WISCONSIN – Special Agent Sandra DeValkenaere, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Special Agent Sandra DeValkenaere was nominated by ATF Special Agent Joe Cludy to receive the TOP COPS Award® for her outstanding investigative work in bringing a gang known as the Outlaws Motorcycle Club to justice. Special Agent DeValkenaere’s tenacious investigation led to the indictment of 18 members of the Outlaws charged with numerous federal violations including RICO. This investigation also cleared up several previously unsolved crimes including several bombings and six murders. As a result of this investigation, eight Outlaws have pled guilty, eight Outlaws have been found guilty, one Outlaw has a pending trial, and one Outlaw is currently a fugitive.

§ WYOMING – Trooper Delane Baldwin, Wyoming Highway Patrol
State Trooper Delane Baldwin was nominated by State Trooper Donald Dean Prell to receive the TOP COPS Award® for his work on two different accounts. First, on July 23, 1995, Baldwin stopped a car and found possession of methamphetamines in the passenger’s purse. However, the state court did not convict the passenger. Eventually, the case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1999, in Wyoming vs. Houghton, the Supreme Court reversed the state’s decision stating that citizens does not enjoy the same rights in automobiles as in their homes. Baldwin provided the best car search case since Carroll v. U.S. (1925). Second, he assisted Trooper Kirkman on March 30, 1999 for a three-person car search where Kirkman believed a passenger in the car had given conflicting identity information. While attempting to question the passengers, one of them shot Baldwin on the left side of his face. However, Baldwin was able to fatally wound the man before anyone else could get hurt. His vision was temporarily impaired, but he has since recovered.

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