In a ceremony this morning at the Annual Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Indianapolis two Valparaiso Police Officers were named 2012 Officer’s of the Year. Each year the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police receive nominees from across Indiana for officers performing their duties above and beyond the call of duty.
Officers Jerame Simpson and Keith Perez were nominated by Chief of Police Michael Brickner, who presented both officers with their awards during the ceremony. They both received the award for their actions on May 25, 2012 when both entered the Prudential Building to stop an armed man that had entered the building and had reportedly fired his weapon. Officers Simpson and Perez were able to assist in evacuating many individuals from the building prior to confronting the armed man. Gunfire was exchanged and eventually a lengthy hostage standoff concluded with the male subject shooting himself. No employees or police were injured during the incident.
Police Chiefs from across Indiana and numerous officers from the Valparaiso Police Department were present during the awards presentation.
Located in the photo from the left are Officer Keith Perez, Police Chief Michael Brickner and Officer Jerame Simpson immediately after receiving their award.