INDIANAPOLIS — On April 17, 2024, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter recognized dozens of Indiana State Police Personnel and officers from other agencies for distinguished service, life-saving awards, and commendable service. The ceremony took place at the Indiana Government Center.
Among those personnel publicly recognized for their efforts, several notable presentations were made to employees assigned to the Fort Wayne Post.
Purple Heart Award
The first award presented by Superintendent Carter was the Indiana State Police Purple Heart Award, presented posthumously to Master Trooper James R. Bailey. Master Trooper Bailey was killed in the line of duty on March 3, 2023, while assisting another agency with a vehicle pursuit on I-69 in DeKalb County. The fleeing vehicle struck Master Trooper Bailey as he attempted to deploy stop sticks near mile marker 326, just south of Auburn. Master Trooper Bailey was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Present to receive the award was his wife, Amy Bailey, surrounded by members of her ISP Family.
Combat Action Award- Trooper Adam Kitson
On the night of October 9, 2022, Trooper Kitson was on the scene assisting with a double homicide investigation in a residential neighborhood of Angola, Indiana. During that investigation, Angola PD patrol officers located the suspect down the street. A foot pursuit ensued, and the suspect initiated a gunfight. Hearing the gunfire, Trooper Kitson ran towards the gunfire and, upon arrival, found the suspect still actively shooting at the Angola officers. In defense of those officers and himself, Trooper Kitson immediately engaged the suspect with his department patrol rifle. After striking the suspect and ending lethal assault, Kitson immediately turned to rendering medical aid to the suspect, however the suspect would succumbed to his injuries. The Combat Action Award citation noted that Kitson deserved public praise and respect for his “at risk” performance of duty, including the use of and defense against life-threatening physical force.
Commendation Award- Master Trooper- Detective Matt Teusch
On March 24, 2022, Detective Teusch was called to investigate the death of a five-year-old boy in Portland, a case that would forever change his view of humanity. The child’s corpse (found in a closet) had clearly been starved to death and abused; the visual/physical evidence seemed enough to substantiate the arrest of the child’s mother for neglect. But even after the arrest, Detective Teusch would relentlessly continue his investigation until further evidence was found to substantiate the filing of a Murder charge against the mother. She would eventually be found guilty of Murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Superintendent Carter noted, “Master Trooper Teusch’s actions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon himself and the Indiana State Police.”
Commendation Award- Dispatch Supervisor Melisa Cross (RDC2)
On July 21, 2023, the Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) Bicycle Ride was riding from Bluffton to Elwood, Indiana, on day twelve of thirteen total days riding around the state, bringing attention to Indiana’s Fallen Heroes. Twenty-one cyclists, three motor units, and numerous support vehicles were traveling to Elwood to pay special tribute to Elwood Officer Noah Shahnavaz, who died in the line of duty on July 31, 2022. Just before 10:00 AM, Dispatcher Cross became aware of the US Marshal’s Service pursuing a vehicle of an armed and wanted violent felon on I-69 near the 259-mile marker and heading in the direction of the riders. Dispatcher Cross quickly coordinated with the trooper escorting the COPS Ride, who was then able to safely escort the riders off the roadway and out of harm’s way. Commended for exceptionally meritorious service, Dispatcher Cross’ actions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon herself and the Indiana State Police.
Trooper of the District for Fort Wayne Post (2023) – Trooper Daniel Burkey
This award is presented to the Trooper who has achieved outstanding enforcement efforts in traffic and criminal enforcement, case and crash investigations, public information programs, and community service and who has exemplified the professionalism and integrity expected of an Indiana State Trooper.
Trooper Burkey has served with ISP for over eight years and is currently assigned to patrol Steuben and LaGrange counties. He also serves his country in the United States Marine Corps and holds the rank of Sergeant.
Top DUI Enforcement Award (Fort Wayne Post) – Trooper Benjamin Walker
This award is presented to the trooper in each district with the highest number of DUI arrests for the year. Trooper Ben Walker had 68 total DUI arrests in 2023. He is currently assigned patrol duties in Steuben and LaGrange counties. He has been with the Indiana State Police for just over five years and has been awarded multiple times for his DUI enforcement efforts.
On behalf of Superintendent Doug Carter and the Fort Wayne Post District Commander, Lt. Corey Culler, I would like to thank these outstanding employees for their hard work, dedication to duty, and exemplary service to the citizens of Indiana.
