The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) honored Wisconsin State Patrol troopers, inspectors and civilian staff for outstanding service at the State Patrol Award Ceremony held today in Wisconsin Dells.
This year, 39 awards were presented to State Patrol employees who went above and beyond in their service to communities across the state. The annual ceremony highlights lifesaving efforts and innovations that improve state patrol operations. Staff recognized today exude high levels of bravery, dedication and professionalism.
Governor Tony Evers joined Wisconsin Department of Transportation leaders and spoke at the ceremony.
“Members of the Wisconsin State Patrol work every day to serve our families, our communities, and keep our roads and communities safe. I’m incredibly grateful for their service and the sacrifices they and their families make every day,” said Gov. Evers. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize their good work each year, and I want to give a huge congratulations to today’s award recipients. As governor, I remain committed to making sure we are taking care of the officers and staff of the State Patrol so they can do their important work for our state.”
Lifesaving and Meritorious Service awards recognize those who saved lives or put themselves in physical danger to keep someone else safe. The Commendable Service, Superintendent’s Commendation, Unit Citation and employee of the year categories acknowledge accomplishments that contribute to WisDOT’s key mission to build a safe and efficient transportation system.
“We truly value these opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of WisDOT employees who work every day to help us maintain a safe and efficient transportation system in Wisconsin,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “State Patrol’s officers, technical experts and program managers each fill an essential role to keep Wisconsin roads safe and provide a critical resource to help the public and industry groups understand their role in transportation safety.”
Employees were nominated by their peers and selected to receive recognition for their actions by the State Patrol Awards Committee.
“Each State Patrol award recipient embodies the values of our agency. They are leaders within their field. They have compassion, integrity and character,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “It is with great respect and gratitude that we honor their outstanding efforts that are truly make an impact in communities across the state.”
More information about the award recipients and their work is in the Award Ceremony program. Find photos of the ceremony and award recipients here.
Lifesaving Award
| Award recipient | Post |
| Trooper Kyle Braun | Eau Claire |
| Trooper Forrest Cantwell | Eau Claire |
| Trooper Brody Schmitz | Tomah |
| Trooper Cody Digre | TMC |
| Trooper Steven Frantal | Wausau |
| Civilian William Frantal | |
| Trooper Caleb Grabow-Hohensee | Wausau |
| Inspector Dustin Johanning | Tomah |
| Sergeant Nic Lorenzen | Waukesha |
| Sergeant Joseph Stephens | Waukesha |
| Trooper Damian Wood | Eau Claire |
Special Recognition
| Award | Award recipient | Post |
| Commendable Service | Sergeant Jennifer Austin | Fond du Lac |
| Commendable Service | Jessica Bader | Headquarters |
| Commendable Service | Sergeant Erica Ballweg-Larsen | DeForest |
| Commendable Service | Lieutenant Harmanjot Chahal | Traffic Management Center |
| Commendable Service | Captain Nate Clarke | Headquarters |
| Commendable Service | Chief David Harvey | Headquarters |
| Commendable Service | Lieutenant Nate Henriksen | Headquarters |
| Commendable Service | Lieutenant Andrew Hyer | Headquarters |
| Commendable Service | Lieutenant Kevin Kinderman | Waukesha |
| Commendable Service | Lieutenant Luke Newman | Fond du Lac |
| Commendable Service | Captain Brad Ocain | Waukesha |
| Commendable Service | Mark Resheske | Headquarters |
| Meritorious Service | Inspector Kendi Linjer | Wausau |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Justin Luangaram | DeForest |
| Meritorious Service | Inspector Aaron Peterson | Tomah |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Cole Glassford | Fond du Lac |
| Meritorious Service | Trooper Anthony Rader | Fond du Lac |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper Christina Holtz | Tomah |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper Steven Kuhnke | Fond du Lac |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper Redouan Oubouha | Waukesha |
| Superintendent’s Commendation | Trooper David Welling | Fond du Lac |
| Innovation and Excellence Award | Trooper Brandon Ferrell | Headquarters |
| Innovation and Excellence Award | Lieutenant Kevin Kinderman | Waukesha |
Employees of the Year
| Award | Award recipient | Post |
| Inspector of the Year | Inspector David Ecklor | Spooner |
| Trooper of the Year | Trooper Darrick Lorbecki | Traffic Management Center |
| Civilian Employee of the Year | Nicole Duensing | Chemical Test Section |
| Dispatcher of the Year | Kelly Rhodes | DeForest |
