The Portage Police Department honored officers who saved the lives of multiple adults, along with community members who helped to keep the city safe, at its sixth annual awards ceremony.
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Portage Assistant Police Chief Richard Hoege embraces Portage resident Joan Maxwell, who received a tenure award for 15 years of service as a Volunteer in Policing as well as a meritorious service award for her service to the Police Department. Maxwell also accepted the awards for her late husband, William "Bill" Maxwell, who died in December.
Portage resident Patrick Fahey, right, receives a Citizen Appreciation Award from Police Chief Keith Klafke for his efforts in saving a woman's life on the Wisconsin River last summer. Also included in the award was Christopher Otto.
Portage Police Chief Keith Klafke, at podium, recognizes, from right, Sgt. Jesse Sprague, Officer Kaylee Ramirez, Sgt. Brian Fehd and K9 patrol Officer Alex Royse with a Team Effort award for their work in recovering a gun, drugs and cash from a motel in Portage last January, which lead to the arrest of four suspects.
From left, Sgt. Jesse Sprague, Assistant Police Chief Richard Hoege, patrol Lt. Ben Neuman, Capt. Dan Garrigan and Officer Kate Behling receive a Team Effort Award for their work last January in locating and negotiating with convicted felon who had barricaded himself in the basement of a Portage residence. Police Chief Keith Klafke, who shakes the hand of Behling, also was part of the award, along with K9 patrol Officer Jacob Kubelt, Sgt. Eric Walters and Det. Sgt. Pete Warning.
From left, Police Chief Keith Klafke with patrol Lt. Ben Neuman, Officer Heather Lange and Sarah Kravick, director of Compass Counselling in Portage, as they receive a Life Saving award and Citizen Award for their work in saving the life of a woman who attempted suicide.
Michael Cooper of the Portage Veterinary Clinic, right, receives a Meritorious Service award for his work with Portage Police Department's K9s unit from patrol Lt. Ben Neumann.
Alonso Aranda, owner of Mexican restaurant La Tolteca, right, receives a meritorious service award from Police Chief Keith Klafke, for his support of the Portage Police Department and his sponsorship of numerous department events.
From left, Police Chief Keith Klafke, shares a laugh with the Portage Police Department administrative staff members Sarah McReath and Jennifer Eberle as they receive Meritorious Service awards from Community Service Officer Kevin Todryk.
Sgt. Jesse Sprague, center, receives a Meritorious Service award for his work in a drug investigation last January. Patrol Lt. Ben Neuman, left, and Officer Kate Behling also received recognition in a team effort award for their work in supporting Sprague in the investigation. K9 patrol Officer Jacob Kubelt and Sgt. Eric Walters also were recognized for team effort.
Police Chief Keith Klafke, left, congratulates K9 patrol Ofc. Alex Royse as he receives a team effort award for assisting Officer Kaylee Ramirez, right, who receives a Medal of Valor award for her courageous work in a dangerous traffic stop with no backup.
