Police Department Awards

During the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, March 8th, Chief of Police David Angelo and Deputy Chief of Police Bryce Borders presented four awards to members of the Police Department. The Board of Trustees congratulated these employees for these well-deserved recognitions and thanked them for their continued service to the community and dedication to their careers.

Medal of Valor: Sergeant Dan Wittler

Sergeant Dan Wittler was recognized with a Medal of Valor for an incident on February 13, 2020. A Weld County Sheriff’s Officer Deputy requested assistance locating a person with 3 active warrants. Once found, the suspect fired at the Deputy. Fearing for the life of the Deputy and his own life, Sergeant Wittler immediately engaged the suspect and returned fire, preventing the suspect from inflicting any harm on the Deputy or himself. The suspect was treated and released from the hospital, then booked into the Weld County Jail for Attempted Homicide, amongst other charges. The suspect later plead guilty to 2nd-degree attempted homicide and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Sergeant Wittler performed an act in the presence of great danger and personal risk to himself to protect the life of a colleague.

Lifesaving Award: Officer James Belue

Officer James Belue was awarded the Lifesaving Award for an incident that occurred on August 28, 2021. Officer Belue responded to a medical call and quickly and accurately recognized that the female was suffering from an Opiate based drug overdose. Officer Belue quickly retrieved his Narcan from his patrol vehicle, returned to the residence, and administered Narcan to the female. Office Belue’s actions warrant the issuance of the Lifesaving Award based upon his quick response, critical thinking, accurate assessment, and administration of Narcan which ensured that the female was stabilized until EMS could arrive.

Lifesaving Award: Sergeant Neal Lucero

Sergeant Neal Lucero was awarded the Lifesaving Award for an incident that occurred on August 7, 2022. Sergeant Lucero was dispatched to a call on a report of an overdose. Sergeant Lucero immediately administered Narcan to the male. Within seconds, the male began to breathe on his own but appeared to go in and out of consciousness. Sergeant Lucero’s actions warrant the issuance of the Lifesaving Award based upon his quick response time to the residence and his immediate action, where he performed CPR and administered Narcan. Sergeant Lucero’s actions reflect greatly upon himself, his profession, and the Firestone Police Department.

Merit Award: Detective Kimberly Cornwell

Detective Kimberly Cornwell was awarded the Merit Award. In June 2020, Detective Cornwell responded to an armed robbery in progress that occurred in the Home Depot parking lot. Two suspects brandished handguns while making their demands. Detective Cornwell completed a complex, extensive, and thorough investigation. The investigation included hours of social media research, background investigation, vehicle tracking, DNA testing, and the use of photo identification procedures. Detective Cornwell identified two of the primary suspects involved in the robbery. The suspects were known gang members and had multiple prior convictions for burglary and robbery. Detective Cornwell’s personal initiative, tenacity, and great effort led to her solving this crime and the subsequent arrest of and charging of the two suspects. One suspect has plead guilty to the charges of felony menacing and was sentenced to 3 years in prison. The other suspect is still awaiting court proceedings.

Firestone Police Department

9900 Park Avenue
Firestone, CO 80504
303-833-0811

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