In an overflowing room in the Public Safety building on Friday, the Duluth Police Department held a Commendation Ceremony to highlight outstanding work in the community.

“I think it’s really important for our community to know all of the work that we’re doing to keep everybody safe in the city of Duluth,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa. “We’re working for things that are above and beyond our day-to-day operations, and those are the things that we’re really looking to highlight.”

Awards included Agency Service, Chief’s Commendation, Meritorious Service, and Lifesaving. There was also a Police Partnership award, presented to a citizen or officer from another agency for providing significant aid, assistance, or partnership to the department. Two of the recipients of this award were from the Duluth Transit Authority.

“As many people may be aware, a lot of our buses are equipped with both audio and visual surveillance systems, and we are all over the city,” explained award recipient and DTA Operation Supervisor Greg Yardley. “So occasionally when DPD needs help with locating things, or people, or review of accidents, or other types of events, we can be a useful asset for the city.”

Yardley and his coworker, Rick Roeser, were given the award for their help in locating the suspect of a home invasion burglary case.

“It’s nice to be recognized a little bit for some of the work that we do with the community,” said Yardley.

New hires were recognized at the ceremony, and there was a section for special recognition for overall exemplary work within different areas.

“It truly does take a team, not just a team of Duluth officers, but also a team of our professional staff, a team of our other city departments, and a team of community members to make this a safe community for all,” said Chief Ceynowa.

The award recipients were as follows:

Agency Service Award

• Mike Tinsley
• Bill Walz
• Cullen Cusick
• Kalen Johnson
• Jordan Carey
• Amy Brix

Chief’s Commendations

• Jake Moldenhauer
• Paige Grenier
• Dan Kerfeld
• Ryan Puhle
• Ryan Temple
• Adam Gonnerman
• Tyler Bodin
• Jake Lizakowski
• Nick Lepak
• Skylar Tomlin
• Jackie Groshens
• Aaron Pry
• Dan Salatel
• Andrew Graves
• Andrew Park
• Morgan Cekalla
• Alyssa Baumann
• Alicia Larson
• Brad Hoyt
• Krissy Shogren
• Joel Hopps
• Ian Johnson
• Spencer Pitzel
• Matt Anderson
• Lucas Pyrlik
• Josh Aubart
• Macie VanBuskirk
• Josh Norlander

Meritorious Service Award

• Nate Abbott
• Josh Norlander
• Jeremy Schultz
• Lucas Pyrlik
• Dani Sauve
• Taylor Stutsman
• Ryan McFadden
• Dana Letica
• Key Powless
• Brad Hoyt

Police Partnership Award

• Mrs. Ann Curtis
• Rick Roeser
• Greg Yardley
• Kim Radloff
• Luke Eastep
• Dan Lattner
• Brent Consie
• Heath Wiersma
• Damon Laurion

Lifesaving Award

• Macie VanBuskirk
• Tyler Odden

There was also special recognition for the following:

• Professional Staff of the Year – Katie Chase
• Investigator of the Year – Adam Gonnerman
• Duluth Police and Kiwanis Police Officer of the Year – Pat McCormick
• Supervisor of the Year – Joel Olejnicak

New hires were also recognized at the event.