SJPD recognizes officers, community members for service

Sep. 19—The St. Joseph Police Department recognized several officers and citizens Thursday morning for outstanding actions responding to emergencies.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster opened the ceremony honoring individuals for working behind the scenes and putting their lives on the line in any event.

"To the officers we're recognizing today, thank you for your outstanding service, your commitment inspires us all and we're deeply grateful for the sacrifices you and your family make every day," Luster said. "And to the citizens we're recognizing, it exemplifies the spirit of community collaboration and reminds us that law enforcement is most effective when we work hand in hand."

Kevin Wells was among the many citizens recognized for heroic acts after intervening and saving a resident who was being brutally attacked outside of an apartment complex on April 9.

Michael Lawrence Stotts, a military veteran and security guard was also recognized for his bravery while assisting an officer in apprehending a suspect identified on camera in a robbery at Woods Mini Mart on Frederick Avenue.

"I always go with my gut and at the time, it felt like the right thing to do," Stotts said. "I saw the officer was by himself and he was obviously chasing the guy for some reason. Whether it was dangerous or not, I wasn't going to leave him by himself. Personally, I would expect anybody that was in my position to do the same."

The department proceeded with awards for St. Joseph police officer Dave Gross, who prevented a suicide act inside the county jail; officer Claire Mapel and nightside crews, who deescalated suicidal threat at a hotel; and officer Justin McElroy, who recently received the Missouri Department of Public Safety's Medal of Valor award for his exceptional handling of a vehicle pursuit with a dangerous suspect in St. Joseph in December 2023.

Gross reflected on the morning he saved an inmate's life after he attempted suicide. In situations like this, despite how stressful it can be, officers have to think quickly.

"It was something I didn't expect at all," Gross said. "But when I went back to check on him and saw what happened, I lifted him up, put my hands between his neck and the towel and called for assistance and we got him down. We noticed he wasn't breathing so I did one compression of CPR, rolled him over on his side and he instantly started breathing again. We experience some frightening things, but that's a part of the job and being in law enforcement."

Though these were acts done by individuals who didn't expect to be rewarded for it, Luster said the department finds value in honoring officers, professional staff and community members for their bravery and commitment to public safety.

"When you recognize and award these acts and the way these officers contribute to the citizens of the city of St. Joe, that's what really helps us as a police department and as a culture, and we're going to continue to strive for that excellence and really serve this community to the best of our ability."

A full list of individuals recognized at the 2024 awards and promotional ceremony hosted by the St. Joseph Police Department includes:

* Officer Kyle Davidson

* Officer Bryson Wahlgren

* Sgt. Coy, officers Woolery, Wahlgren, Rice, Cristobal-Esteban, Mapel and dispatcher Justice (night shift squad B)

* Citizens Kevin Wells, Stanley D. Lee and Leona Kay Wilfong

* Officer Losson, Sgt. Babb and officer Alex Simon

* Officer Justin McElroy

* Officer Ainouch and citizen Michael Stotts

* Sgt. Dave Hernandez-Gross

* Sgt. Peters

Full details of heroic acts performed by citizens, sergeants and officers can be read in the attached PDF document provided by the police department.