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Officer Brown, Officer of the Fourth Quarter

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Committee selected Officer Brown as Officer of the Fourth Quarter of 2007. Officer Brown demonstrated performance above and beyond that which is routinely expected.

In November, Officer Brown assisted at a home invasion/assault call. Brown sought permission to assist on this north area call from his south district. Once there, he directed other officers and passed on information that one homeowner may have been assaulted and may possibly be unconscious inside the residence. Brown was concerned and asked permission to force entry. Brown made a very competent decision after all other means of entry failed and attempts to contact anyone with knowledge of the homeowner yielded no results. Brown displayed his knowledge of procedure and overall job experience.

The next day, Officer Brown again volunteered to assist with a call out of his precinct when he was closer than the dispatched car. He and fellow officers found a vehicle running, in gear, with the driver passed out. Attempts made to rouse the driver were unsuccessful. Brown and fellow officers blocked the wheels with paving stones. Brown decided that for the welfare of the driver and safety of others, he should force entry into the vehicle. Brown asked for permission which was granted by the sergeant. The driver was taken into custody for DUI without further incident. Brown was commended for his good judgment.

In December, Officer Brown investigated a sexual assault of a twenty year old woman that occurred at a party. The woman had too much to drink to drive home and decided to sleep at the house. Someone at the party entered the bedroom and sexually assaulted her while she slept, but the assault was interrupted by other party-goers. The victim was assisted by friends in making the report to Officer Brown. Officer Brown worked six hours past the end of his shift in order to collect evidence, complete interviews of witnesses, and then confront the suspect. Officer Brown was able to gain admissions from the suspect about some of his behavior, which will help greatly with the prosecution. Officer Brown was commended for his investigative skills and compassion for the victim.

Honorable Mentions
2007 Officer of the Fourth Quarter

Those officers receiving honorable mention were Officer M Brazda, Detective Hessig, and Sergeant Mike Laufenberg.

Officer M Brazda was dispatched to a threats call. Brazda had contact with a male who has mental health issues. The man had recently been released from emergency protective custody and was off his medication. Brazda investigated and contacted a doctor in Lincoln. Brazda worked with Walgreens, Lincoln doctors and the Sarpy County Attorney’s Officer to set the man’s medications to relieve his mental health issues. Officer Brazda was called back a few days later when the man was experiencing some mental health issues and Brazda placed him into emergency protective custody and was transported to Midlands Hospital where he received treatment. Officer Brazda was recognized for his ability to develop a rapport with the man and keep the situation under control. Officer Brazda was also commended for his Spanish speaking ability. He is always willing to help out when these skills are needed.

Sergeant Mike Laufenberg, along with other units, responded to a hit & run accident call at 15th & Cornhusker. Witnesses were following the run vehicle and were providing updates on the location. Due to the erratic driving, the witnesses were able to get the vehicle stopped near Ft Crook & Victoria. Sergeant Laufenberg arrived at this time and made contact with the driver. He assessed the driver and determined she was having a stroke or other serious medical event and called for a rescue squad. She was then taken to Midlands Hospital. She was later transferred to the neuro specialties floor at Clarkson/UNMC. She made rapid improvement and it is believe she will return to almost full functionality with appropriate therapy. The Excellence in Law Enforcement committee commends Laufenberg for his attention to duty and quick assessment and actions taken to help resolve a serious medical event. Without such action, the incident may not have had such a positive outcome.

Detective Hessig was recognized by the County Attorney’s Office for his work and testimony on a motor vehicle homicide case. The case was far from a "slam dunk" however, the suspect was found guilty and sentenced to 10-20 years. Later in the fourth quarter, Detective Hessig was called to the scene of a theft involving scrap metal. He attempted to contact the suspect at his residence in the area and a short pursuit took place. Two of the three suspects were taken into custody and interviewed. Detective Hessig was able to get a confession from the main suspect and over the next few days he also tracked down the third suspect and arrested him for his part in the theft. One of the suspects also had an outstanding warrant. Detective Hessig also worked a felony assault case for which he was able to make an arrest. This was because of his timely and thorough follow up.