The Valparaiso Police Department and Chief Michael Brickner honored three officers for their heroic efforts during a hostage crisis on May 25th, 2012. The officers, Detective Sgt. Jeff Balon, Officer Jerame Simpson and Officer Keith Perez were all honored at a ceremony last night at the city council meeting.
Chief of Police Michael Brickner presented Officers Jerame Simpson and Keith Perez with the department’s Medal of Merit Award, the second highest award any officer can obtain through the department. Detective Sgt. Jeff Balon was awarded an Honorable Mention Award.
On May 25th, all three officers responded to a call of a man with a gun inside the building at 2612 Calumet Ave. Officer Keith Perez, who at the time was off-duty and Officer Jerame Simpson (on-duty) arrived immediately at the location and made entry and confronted the gunman after assisting numerous individuals to safety who were attempting to exit the building. Both officers confronted the armed individual inside the building and exchanged gun fire with the subject. A lengthy hostage situation ensued.
Detective Sgt. Jeff Balon entered the building and for approximately 5 hours Sgt. Balon negotiated with the gunman. Through Sgt. Balon’s negotiation efforts three hostages were released unharmed.
Each officer was presented with their awards by Chief of Police Michael Brickner.
