Elyria Police honor officers

The Elyria Police Department honored some of its own for going beyond the call of service.

In its annual awards ceremony May 1 at Elyria City Council Chambers, the Elyria Police Department honored eight officers for their actions in protecting and serving the citizens of Elyria.

“Tonight we’re here to recognize some young officers who did some extraordinary things,” said Captain Andrew Eichenlaub. “Day in and day out the officers of the Elyria Police Department do great things. And most of them go unnoticed. But every now and then it catches our attention and

we try to give recognition where recognition is due.”

The department recognized officers for actions that saved the life of a motorist, apprehending an armed robbery suspect, protecting a minor in addition to exemplary service in field training.

Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda underscored that the efforts of honorees continue to make Elyria a safer community in providing a service beyond themselves.

“They ran toward danger to protect the safety of others without regard to their

own well-being. Demonstrated professionalism under the most trying circumstances. Embodied patience when others would have long walked away. Shown humanity toward persons who some might say deserved none,” Brinda said. “The actions highlighted tonight represent the best of the best. And on behalf of the city of Elyria, thank you for your service.”

• Officer Charles McArthur was honored with the Police Commendation Medal for his actions in responding to an aggravated robbery at the McDonald’s restaurant on Midway Boulevard in November 2017 and subduing an armed suspect.

McArthur was able to apprehend the fleeing suspect, who was armed with a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and defuse the situation quickly. In removing a violent criminal from the streets of Elyria without regard for his own personal safety, McArthur went above and beyond his duties.

• Officers Zachary Kasperovich, Ryan Conway and Alan Kubas were all presented with Police Commendation Medals for their actions in a Jan. 12, 2018, incident in the area of Georgetown Avenue and Livermore Lane where they prevented a 14-year-old girl from fleeing the state with a 21-yearold man she met online.

The officers’ actions protected a minor and resulted in felony charges against the man along with the case being turned over to the FBI.

Letters of Recognition, Life Saving Medal

• Sgt. David Ross, along with Officers Jason Walland Adam Garvin were honored with Letters of Recognition for their actions in response to a fatal two-car crash on Aug. 28, 2017. Officer James Wise was presented with a Life Saving Medal for his actions during the same incident.

Located in the area of West Avenue and Third Street, officers responded to the situation involving a Jeep Liberty engulfed in

flames. It was quickly determined the female driver of the other vehicle, a Buick Century was trapped inside with flames spreading toward the area. Officer Wise was able to pull the victim through the driver’s side window where Wise and Walland carried her to safety.

In the course of pulling the victim to safety the Jeep continued to burn and several small explosions occurred, with debris striking Sergeant Ross. Ross returned to the Jeep several times and was recognized for his supervisory role in ensuring citizens and personnel remained safe.

The victim suffered several

injuries during the crash and Wise stayed with her until EMS arrived on scene.

It was learned afterwards the driver of the Jeep Liberty died in the fire.

• Detective Benjamin Miracle completed the basic Field Training Officer course in October 2014 and served as a field training officer for two years prior to being transferred to the Elyria Police Department Detective Bureau. For his efforts, Miracle was awarded the Field Training Award in 2017.

Officer Jason Walland and Detective Benjamin Miracle were not in attendance.