
Lake County Council plans law enforcement recognition for May 13
The School City of East Chicago and the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court will also be acknowledged for their recent honors.
Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff's Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral.
Other honorees include Detective Shane Ratkovich, Detective Sergeant Cody Mansfield and Officers James Madere and Eric Smith Jr., for outstanding felony case support.
Detective Sergeants Michael Hinch and Joseph Molina will be recognized for their sustained superior performance and Reserve Police Officers Michael Tabor and Ashley Coniglio for their outstanding law enforcement support.
Also recognized will be the School City of East Chicago which earned honors in the 2025 Magna Awards Program for Innovation and the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court for being named one of the five National Mentor Courts by All Rise's Justice for Vets division and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The council is expected to make several appointments including four-year terms to Gary resident Robert Farag and Hammond resident Tom Novak to Lake County Library boards and a three-year term to Randy Palmateer to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fox News
04-07-2025
- Fox News
Colorado man sentenced to life in prison for DUI that killed Air Force veteran, injured his children
A Colorado man who killed an Air Force veteran while driving drunk last year will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was found guilty of first-degree murder. Paul Stephenson, 57, of Castle Rock, was convicted in April of killing USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson and injuring his four children after he crashed his truck into their vehicle while driving drunk in August 2024. Stephenson was sentenced to life in prison plus 92 years. Anderson was stopped at a 7-Eleven gas station with his family following a trip to the Douglas County Fair when he was killed, according to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney's Office. His wife was walking into the store when Stephenson drove his Chevy Silverado into their vehicle. While in court, Stephenson admitted to drinking a bottle of fireball whiskey and two beers before driving and his blood alcohol level was 2.5 times the legal limit, the DA's office said. Stephenson racked up his third DUI conviction when he was found guilty of killing Anderson. District Attorney George Brauchler said his office pursued the first-degree murder charge to "send a message to drunk drivers in Douglas County." Brauchler, who prosecuted the case, said it is a "bitter coincidence" that justice was handed down against Anderson's killer one day before July Fourth. "It is a bitter coincidence that the day before we celebrate our nation's independence, we have to confront the loss of one of America's great Patriots who died… Not at the hands of the enemy… But by the selfish conduct of one of us," Bruachler said. "The only appropriate sentence in this case is the one that will prevent things like this from happening again by scaring the hell out of those who would engage in similar behavior." Brauchler acknowledged that Douglas County is the most aggressive on drunk drivers compared to other jurisdictions in the area. Anderson's father said the verdict gives their family "a small amount of closure" and thanked the agencies involved in handing the sentence down. Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh commended the jury's decision and said it reflected how serious it is to drive drunk. "The defendant cared only about himself and showed a complete disregard for the value of human life. This was murder in the first degree-extreme indifference and the jury agreed. His life sentence will ensure he cannot rip anyone else from their family," Marsh said.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Independence police chief on leave, fires back at ‘baseless rumors' in FOX4 interview
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman is speaking out Thursday, June 5, to give his side of the story amid swirling rumors about his recent leave from the department. In a revealing interview with FOX4, Dustman categorically denied allegations tied to an incident during National Police Week and emphasized his commitment to the job he loves. Bomb Squad removes grenade from Independence cemetery Since May 23, Chief Dustman has been off the job, stepping away to address 'personal issues.' 'I have personal issues going on. I've decided to take time. I've gone through a rough couple of years with the department and the loss we've had,' he said when asked about the reasons for his leave. 'With the addition of personal issues, now is the time to take some time away to focus on being the best me I can be and the best dad I can be for my boys.' FOX4 confirmed through public records and the chief himself that his wife, Sarah Dustman, filed for divorce at the end of March. However, personal challenges aren't the heart of the controversy. The controversy centers on an event during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., which began on Sunday, May 11. Chief Dustman represented the Independence Police Department as the name of fallen officer Cody Allen was added to the National Fallen Officer Memorial. It was following that solemn event that rumors began to circulate. Some claim the chief went out with colleagues, got so intoxicated he had to be carried to his hotel, and was even kicked out of a bar or involved in a fight. Dustman, however, vehemently denies these claims. Woman arrested & charged with murdering pregnant woman, unborn child on Christmas Eve 2023 The only truth he says is that he went out after hours with fellow officers. Despite his denials, a high-level source confirmed to FOX4 that the incident has prompted, or will prompt, an internal affairs investigation. Chief Dustman says he welcomes the probe and insists his leave of absence has nothing to do with it. In the meantime, Deputy Chief Jason Petersen is leading the department. Dustman says he has full confidence in Petersen and the team to keep things running smoothly. 'I am 100% up for the job. I love this job, it's literally, outside of my kiddos, the single greatest accomplishment of my life,' Dustman responded when asked if he's still up for the job. 'I'm proud to serve this city and the men and women of this police department each and every day. That will never change.' He also expressed concern about someone leaking highly personal information within the department, but said he does not know who is responsible. Person waiting for bus in critical condition after being hit by car Chief Dustman says he is focusing on his sons during this time away and expects to return to headquarters in early July. FOX4 has reached out to the city and the department for comment and is awaiting their response. Stay tuned to FOX4 for the latest updates and developments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


CBS News
30-05-2025
- CBS News
Remembering Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell one year after his death in the line of duty
It's been one year since Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell was killed in the line of duty. Mitchell raced to help a man in the Whittier neighborhood, not knowing the armed man he approached had just killed two people. Mitchell was a son, brother, father, fiancé and friend. The 36-year-old had only been with MPD for a year and a half but the impact he made will last a lifetime. At an annual service of remembrance last week, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said, "Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell dedicated his life to service. He was truly the definition of a hero." "In a pure act of selfless service, was taken from us by a violent act by the very person he was trying to help," Minneapolis police Chief Brian O'Hara said. The loss of officer Mitchell is still being felt in Minneapolis. "The weight of that loss is immense; the grief is deep," O'Hara said. With his fiancé and kids in attendance, Mitchell's sacrifice was honored in a special ceremony. "Today a banner bearing his name added to the Minneapolis Police Department flag joining the names of all the men and women who have died in the line of duty," O'Hara said. A similar scene to honor the fallen in took place in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week. His mom Janet Edwards was there, along with other family. "Very emotional to know that, you know, he was placed on the wall. I told everybody it was like a bittersweet moment for me," Edwards said. Edwards said Mitchell loved people. "And he loved his job. He loved what he was doing," Edwards said. At home they have their own memorial. "I felt like it was something that she can go to every morning. We know he's not here, but we can go to it to see him, and he's still shining in our heart," stepfather Dennis Edwards said. "He is missed, and he's missed throughout the whole family," Dennis Edwards said. They're proud of his courage and bravery. Only days on the job, Mitchell rescued an elderly couple from a house fire. Last year Mitchell was posthumously given the medal of honor and the purple heart. He was named 5th Precinct officer of the year. Last month, Minneapolis police honored those on scene for their courage and actions in the moments after Mitchell was shot, while remembering the fallen hero. "His actions as a man and how he lived his life, they're heroic. He was a role model. He's everything that we could ask for in a police officer," O'Hara said. O'Hara wears a metal band with his name on it. And carries Mitchell's duty weapon in honor of him. Others carry on his memory in their own ways. "There's other members of department here who were helping with youth activities with Jamal. That played basketball with him, off duty. Business owners and people from town who remember Jamal, you know, just coming in and just being a very positive, engaged role model for youth, and just honestly, you know, we could not have asked for better. And in life, he was a father," O'Hara said. A community, and department, indebted to their dad's service. "They they all have moments, you know, of difficulty and anguish. The main thing we want to make sure is that the family knows they will not be forgotten. He did what we asked him to do. And you know, the city owes, owes our gratitude to his family for their sacrifice," O'Hara said. Mitchell's mom plans to be in Connecticut Friday with some of his siblings. O'Hara will join Mitchell's family living in town for a private memorial, followed by time with officers who worked with him.