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WEEK OF 12/13/05-12/19/05

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
POLICE SPECIALIST WILLIAM O'BRIEN

POLICE OFFICER HOWARD FOX

On November 1, 2005, Police Specialist William O'Brien became aware of information regarding a possible murder-for-hire plot in the City of Cincinnati. Specialist O'Brien immediately contacted the source of this information and initiated an investigation. Specialist O'Brien arranged for the source of the information to contact the suspect and arrange a meeting with a potential assassin.

Specialist O'Brien then contacted Police Officer Howard Fox, who could play the role of the assassin. Specialist O'Brien coordinated all further contact between the suspect and Officer Fox. Specialist O'Brien was tasked with building a prosecutable case while at the same time managing the case to afford the officer some measure of safety as he dealt with a suspect intent on murder. Specialist O'Brien conducted thorough background investigations of the suspect as well as the intended target of the murder. Specialist O'Brien also provided the officer with information and excuses that placed the burden of the conspiracy on the suspect, thus solidly building a criminal case.

After fully reviewing the available information, Officer Fox agreed to pose as a hired assassin in this investigation. Officer Fox contacted the suspect and established a rapport. Over the next few days, Officer Fox had numerous conversations with the suspect at all hours of the day and night. Officer Fox convinced the suspect that he was a convicted felon and, as such, had a very difficult time purchasing a firearm. The suspect agreed to a price for the murder of a former boyfriend and agreed to provide a firearm for Officer Fox to use in this plot.

Officer Fox subsequently met with the suspect. The suspect provided a firearm for the commission of the offense. The suspect also pointed out the residence of the intended victim to Officer Fox. At this point, other officers arrested the suspect and charged her with Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

During the investigation, Specialist O'Brien and Officer Fox showed courage, dedication and tenacity in their handling of this case. Their actions caused the suspect to be fully occupied and therefore unavailable to look for a real assassin. Specialist O'Brien managed an extremely difficult criminal investigation, ensured the safety of the intended target as well as Officer Fox, and removed a dangerous and violent felon from the community. Officer Fox exposed himself to substantial risk of harm by dealing with a suspect intent on murder, but did so with great consideration for the safety of the intended victim and the other officers assisting with this investigation.

WEEK OF 11/22/05-11/28/05

DISTRICT THREE
SERGEANT DANIEL CARDER

On October 3, 2005, Sergeant Daniel Carder was working an off-duty detail at the US Bank at 530 University Avenue, when Jerry Fisher, a paroled bank robber from Louisville, Kentucky, entered the bank. Mr. Fisher was wearing a hat, sunglasses and bandages on his face in an attempt to hide his identity. He had been out of prison for two months after serving ten years for bank robbery.

Sergeant Carder witnessed Mr. Fisher grab the arm of the bank manager and walk him toward the teller counter. The manager silently mouthed the word "robbery" to Sergeant Carder, who drew his weapon and ordered all innocent people in the bank to the ground. Mr. Fisher released the bank manager then fled the bank having gained nothing. Sergeant Carder gave chase and radioed a description of the robber enabling District Four officers to make an arrest a short time later.

Sergeant Carder's alertness, keen observation and quick response prevented Mr. Fisher from successfully robbing the bank and injuring any employees or customers.

VIOLENT CRIMES SQUAD
DISTRICT ONE
POLICE OFFICER CRAIG COPENHAVER
POLICE OFFICER RYAN ROBERTSON

On October 6, 2005, Police Officer Craig Copenhaver and Police Officer Ryan Robertson were working in the area of East McMicken and Walnut Streets when they heard gunshots. They subsequently observed a male running from the Vine Street area and attempt to enter an occupied vehicle. As the officers attempted to confront the subject, he fled on foot. Officers Copenhaver and Robertson gave chase and the subject was eventually apprehended on East Clifton Avenue. The subject was identified as Leonard Evans.

During the foot pursuit, additional officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Vine Street for a report of a shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and located an individual who had been shot. The victim ultimately succumbed to his wounds. Officers Copenhaver and Robertson believed Mr. Evans was connected to the shooting offense and began to search the area for a weapon. Eventually a firearm was recovered and Mr. Evans was charged with the crime. Further investigation by Homicide Unit personnel implicated Mr. Evans as a possible suspect in three additional unsolved homicides.

WEEK OF 10/25/05-10/31/05

SPECIAL SERVICES SECTION - TRAFFIC UNIT
POLICE OFFICER JON J. HALUSEK

On September 22, 2005, after serving for five years with the Cincinnati Police Department SWAT Unit, Police Officer Jon J. Halusek requested that he be relieved of his duties as an active member of the unit. Officer Halusek was selected for the team from a group of highly qualified candidates. He has served with distinction as a member of the SWAT Unit and made a significant contribution to the SWAT program. Officer Halusek is deserving of this official commendation because of his commitment and dedicated service to the SWAT organization.

WEEK OF 10/4/05-10/11/05

DISTRICT TWO
POLICE OFFICER CHERYL HART

On August 11, 2005, Police Officer Cheryl Hart responded for an auto accident at 3525 Linwood Avenue where an older female motorist had collided with another car.

As a result of the accident, the engine compartment of the elderly female's vehicle burst into flames. The elderly female, stunned and shocked from the collision, was still inside the vehicle and unable to extricate herself. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the imminent danger the driver was in, Officer Hart removed the elderly female from the burning vehicle and escorted her to safety. Officer Hart then retrieved the fire extinguisher from her vehicle and returned to battle the flames emanating from the car. While fighting the fire, a second accident occurred at the scene, creating an even greater hazard. With little thought for her personal safety, Officer Hart was able to clear the area of potential victims and extinguish the fire.

Officer Hart is worthy of commendation for her actions. Amid the chaos and danger, she displayed calm professionalism and ensured the safety of the public. She is truly an outstanding example of a Cincinnati Police Officer.

WEEK OF 08/30/05-09/05/05

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
LIEUTENANT KIMBERLY FREY
SERGEANT JEFFERY HUNT
SERGEANT MICHAEL HUDEPOHL
SERGEANT ROBERT LISTON
POLICE SPECIALIST WILLIAM O'BRIEN
POLICE SPECIALIST DOUGLAS HUGHES
POLICE SPECIALIST KATHLEEN HARRELL
POLICE SPECIALIST BRIAN TROTTA
POLICE SPECIALIST RICHARD GROSS
POLICE SPECIALIST ERIC VOGELPOHL
POLICE OFFICER ELLIOTT GREEN
POLICE OFFICER JENNIFER ERNST
POLICE OFFICER RONNIE HUGHLEY
POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL MEDLEY
POLICE OFFICER JEFFRY RAY

On May 9, 2004, the Homicide Unit was dispatched to 3388 McHenry Avenue to investigate a male who was shot several times. The victim had been reported missing by his mother a few weeks prior to the discovery of his body. Information led investigators to a suspect known to the victim and his family.

Several months into the investigation, it was apparent the suspect was a well-known drug dealer in the South Cumminsville area. Although numerous individuals had information that the suspect was involved in the homicide, they were reluctant to come forward for fear of retaliation.

The investigation revealed the suspect and his associates were involved in several other homicides over the past few years. After additional intelligence was gathered, a plan was implemented to target this individual by using a wiretap operation. Assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Twenty-four hour surveillance was set up on the target's three known residences through the cooperative effort between the Homicide Unit and the FBI, with the assistance of members of the Major Offenders Unit and the Intelligence Unit.

Based on information from the wiretap, and arrests of individuals buying drugs from the target, a federal grand jury indicted eight individuals, including the target, for federal felony drug trafficking.

On May 11, 2005, the eight arrest warrants and three federal search warrants were executed in a joint operation by the Criminal Investigation Section and the FBI. The target originally identified as the homicide suspect is now facing a life sentence in a federal prison. The officers involved in this investigation are deserving of this commendation for their dedication to duty, investigative skills, and initiative in compiling and reporting criminal intelligence information. Their effort resulted in the removal of dangerous individuals from our streets.

POLICE OFFICER TIMOTHY BLEY
POLICE OFFICER KATHLEEN GOBER

On April 12, 2005, Police Officer Kathleen Gober and Police Officer Timothy Bley were working in the West End community. Officer Gober and Officer Bley observed an armed robbery in progress at the Gold Star Chili located at 2020 Dalton Avenue. Officer Bley immediately broadcast this information to the dispatcher and assessed the situation as three suspects fled on foot onto Bank Street.

Officer Gober was able to position her vehicle to provide cover for her partner and broadcast detailed descriptions and direction of travel of the suspects. Two citizens attempted to intervene in the dangerous situation and Officer Gober was able to direct them to safety.

During the foot pursuit, one of the suspects pointed a firearm at Officer Bley. Officer Bley discharged his firearm striking the suspect, who continued to flee a short distance to Garden Street where he tried to conceal himself behind a vehicle. The suspect ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody. A loaded firearm and the money taken from the robbery were recovered near the suspect.

Due to the communications skills of the officers a second suspect was apprehended within the hour. A third suspect, a juvenile, was apprehended within days as a result of information gained from the two suspects arrested that day.

Officers Gober and Bley are deserving of this commendation for their professionalism and dedication to duty during the arrests of the aggravated robbery suspects. Their actions protected citizens from grave danger and resulted in the removal of three armed and dangerous criminals from the streets of Cincinnati.

WEEK OF 07/12/05-07/19/05

DISTRICT THREE
POLICE SPECIALIST JAMES ADAMS

Specialist James Adams was on directed patrol at a bank, after a recent series of armed robberies of citizens using automated teller machines, when he noticed a suspicious vehicle. Specialist Adams concealed his police car and made his way back to the bank on foot where he interrupted an armed robbery in progress. Specialist Adams pursued the suspect on foot until the suspect surrendered. Specialist Adams was able to provide a vehicle description allowing other officers to locate the suspect's vehicle and arrest two accomplices. Specialist Adams then retraced his steps and recovered a firearm, which the suspect had discarded. Further investigation revealed the suspect had committed over 15 robberies in recent weeks. Specialist Adams is worthy of commendation for his bravery and dedication to duty. Through his efforts, three extremely dangerous subjects were removed from the street.

WEEK OF 06/14/05-06/21/05

MAJOR OFFENDERS UNIT
POLICE OFFICER GREGORY M. MEADOWS

During the last ten years, Officer Gregory M. Meadows has coordinated the Cincinnati Police Department's Police Explorers post and has brought them to national recognition. In tri-state competitions, the local post finished in the top five during eight of ten annual conferences. During 1998, they finished first in the Domestic Violence segment at the National Police Explorers Conference in Maryland. Under his guidance, 14 Explorers went on to become police officers; 11 with the Cincinnati Police Department. Officer Meadows is deserving of this commendation for his extreme dedication to this Department, the Police Explorers Program, and the youths and community he serves.

WEEK OF 03/15/05-03/22/05

DISTRICT TWO
POLICE SERGEANT DOUGLAS B. IBOLD

In December 2004, Sergeant Ibold organized a Christmas program which partnered District Two officers with children from Saint Joseph’s Orphanage.  Sergeant Ibold personally coordinated the Christmas wish lists for forty-three children and matched them with officers who supplied gifts for the children.  On December 21, 2004, Sergeant Ibold’s efforts culminated in a Christmas luncheon where all of the children received presents.  Sergeant Ibold is deserving of this commendation for his caring and concern for these children.  Sergeant Ibold’s efforts brought happiness and the Christmas spirit to underprivileged children who might otherwise have had no holiday celebration.  Through his dedication to the youth of our community, Sergeant Ibold is a role model for all officers and a tremendous credit to the Cincinnati Police Department.

DISTRICT TWO
POLICE SPECIALIST RODNEY POMPEY
POLICE OFFICER ALVIN TRIGGS
POLICE OFFICER JOSHUA PHILLIPS
POLICE OFFICER GEORGE ENGLEMAN
POLICE OFFICER DWAYNE DAWSON

On November 24, 2004, the above officers responded to 5815 Ridge Avenue to investigate a report of a subject breaking into a residence.  The officers subsequently arrested an individual for burglary.  Further investigation revealed the suspect was providing false information as to his identity.  The officers utilized excellent interview and interrogation skills to determine the individual’s true identity, which revealed he had existing warrants for burglary.  Based upon this information, the officers pushed further with the interview and elicited a confession for the original offense plus thirteen additional burglaries.  Specialist Rodney Pompey and Officers Alvin Triggs, Joshua Phillips, George Engleman, and Dwayne Dawson are deserving of this commendation for their quick response to the scene and excellent police work in investigating this crime.  The professionalism and dedication of these officers make them a credit to the Cincinnati Police Department.

WEEK OF 02/20/05-02/20/05

In December 2004, the Cincinnati Police Department received a request from the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for assistance during the Inauguration of the 55th President of the United States on Thursday, January 20, 2005. The request was made as a result of the threat level in the Nation's Capital and the on-going development of intelligence regarding this event. Accordingly, the MPD requested the Cincinnati Police Department provide supplemental uniformed presence during the Inauguration. Cincinnati Police Department members were requested to work in partnership with uniformed MPD officers along the parade route, at Inaugural Ball sites, and at many other critical sites around Washington DC.

A total of fifty one Cincinnati Police Department members volunteered for this detail. These officers interrupted their personal schedules and made themselves available to serve their country. The officers traveled by bus to Washington DC, endured long days, and severe winter weather. The Cincinnati Police Department has received comments from people who attended the Inauguration parade and saw Cincinnati officers on posts along the route.

The comments have been overwhelmingly positive and complimentary of the Cincinnati Police Department members. The officers were described as “a dedicated professional group of officers that represented Cincinnati so very well... [and who] could not have been more friendly.” Another observer noted the Cincinnati officers were “very professional, courteous, and friendly. These officers could not have shown Cincinnati in a more positive light.”

The Cincinnati Police Department is proud to have been asked to assist with this national event, and was happy to provide assistance to a fellow major city police department. The fifty one officers, representing all Bureaus in the Department, are to be commended for volunteering for this important duty and for their exceptional professionalism that brought credit to the Cincinnati Police Department and the City of Cincinnati.

WEEK OF 01/04/05-01/11/05

DISTRICT FOUR
POLICE SPECIALIST DENNIS FICKER

On November 30, 2004, Specialist Dennis Ficker was conducting surveillance in the Prospect Hill area due to a rash of burglaries in the neighborhood. While on surveillance, a burglary in progress was dispatched. Specialist Ficker was on the scene within seconds and gave chase of the suspect. Specialist Ficker apprehended the suspect, Michael Evans. Upon conclusion of a lengthy interview, Specialist Ficker elicited a confession to an additional 52 burglaries Michael Evans had committed in Prospect Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. Specialist Ficker is commended for his dedication to duty, keen observation skills and tenacity in removing this serial burglar from the streets of Cincinnati.