I began my law enforcement career in 1977 as a patrolman for the Valparaiso Police Department. I earned promotions to corporal and then lieutenant, which gave me command of a crew of officers. Through the years, I’ve been honored with a number of professional awards and assignments. 

Although receiving such accolades has been gratifying, the one for which I am most proud is a certificate I received in 2003 from The Caring Place and the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence for being a role model to my oldest daughter, Veronica. She nominated me for the recognition by submitting a letter to those organizations describing why I am a positive influence in her life.

I believe that it is imperative that those of us in law enforcement not only maintain a strong connection with the community, but that we become actively involved with it. To that end, I have had a long standing commitment to the betterment of our quality of life here. I have offered my personal time to just a few of the many worthwhile organizations that provide a wide range of services throughout Porter County.

In addition to the organizations listed below, I have been a fundraiser for other associations including the Valparaiso YMCA and the Valparaiso Exchange Club.

Organizations And Community Involvement

1977 – present      Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 76

1996 – 1998            Porter County Wildlife Management Board

1999 – present        Critical Incident Stress Management Team

1999 – present        Porter County Community Corrections Board

2000 – 2009            Porter County Crime Stoppers

2000 – 2007            Porter County Red Cross; Board of Directors

2002 – present        Porter County United Way; Public Sector Chair

2002 – present        Valparaiso Rotary Club; Board of Directors (2004-05)

2003 – present        Porter County Triad; Law Enforcement Advisor

2003 – present        Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police

2003 – 2008            Valparaiso Lady Vikings Soccer Club; Team Sponsor

2004 – present        Indiana Sheriff’s Association

2004 – 05, 08-09    The Times Newspaper; Editorial Advisory Board

2005 – present        VNA Hospice Advisory Committee

2005 – present        Juvenile Detention Center Advisory Board

2005 – 2006            Purdue Extension Office Advisory Council

2007 –  present       Community Action Drug Coalition Board

2007                        Chesterton Softball League team sponsor

2009 -                       Mental Health America Porter Co. Board

2009 -                       Valparaiso Diversity Network Assn.

Awards and Recognitions

1980      Selected as Counselor for Indiana Law Enforcement Academy

1980      Valparaiso Police “Excellent Police Duty” plaque

1981      Valparaiso Police Officer of the Year

1982      Valparaiso Police “Special Recognition” plaque

1984      Exchange Club Community Service Award

1985      Valparaiso Police “Department Commendation”

1985      Valparaiso Police “Honorable Mention”

1991      Valparaiso Police “Honorable Mention”

1996      Valparaiso Police Officer of the Year

2005      Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy

               24 volunteer instructor hours award

2007      Community award from Porter County Mental Health Society

2009       Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International