Three veteran police officers were honored for their service during an award ceremony Friday night in Downtown Lawrence.
Officer Tony Garcia received the agency’s highest award, the medal of valor, for assisting emergency responders in saving the life of a 14-year-old boy who became trapped under a tree branch in the raging waters of the Kansas River.
The 28-year veteran was among many first responders who responded June 5 to the report of the teenager who slipped and fell into the water east of the Bowersock Dam. Garcia was among those who entered the swift waters to free the youth, who almost died but was revived at the scene. “I feel like every officer on the department would’ve done the same thing, if not more than what I did,” Garcia said.
Officers Doug Payne and Hayden Fowler were honored for their roles in a Dec. 2, 2008, high-speed chase throughout Douglas County. Both officers were injured that day.
Payne was hit by the suspect, Barbara Jo Schnegelsiepen, as he tried to deploy stop sticks in the road. His actions led to the woman’s apprehension and ultimate conviction, police said. Payne, who has been on the force 18 years, is expected to return to full active duty soon, after undergoing months of surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy.
During the same incident, Fowler’s patrol car was rammed by the suspect’s vehicle. Fowler, who has spent three years on the force, helped end the chase by ramming his patrol car into the suspect’s car. He received minor injuries during the chase.
Payne earned the department’s meritorious service award and Fowler earned the commendation award.
“We’ve had three guys that have done some extraordinary work, and it was a great night for us to be able to honor them and what they were able to accomplish,” said Lawrence Police Capt. Mike Pattrick, who presented the awards on behalf of Police Chief Ron Olin, who was not able to be at the ceremony because of personal reasons.
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somebodynew (anonymous) says…
Way to go guys !!!!!! Glad to see deserving people actually be recognized for their good work. And before all the haters come on here - no this is NOT what they get paid to do. This is above and beyond. And all three are great people and well deserving.
yankeevet (anonymous) says…
Lawrence police are good guys; very professional; salute to you all...........
somebodynew (anonymous) says…
And, I hope the Sheriff's Office recognizes their officer in the same public manner. If I remember the picture correctly the first person in line was Garcia, and then there was an SO officer (Rials??) in the water right behind him. I know the FF's get all the glory, but check out the picture and talk to people that were there and see who was first to try to do something.
lawrenceguy40 (anonymous) says…
New LPD Award categories -
- best high speed chase through city's streets resulting in death
- best resealing of video game packaging
- most accurate shooting of citizen target (must result in citizen fatality)
LPD - protect and serve (themselves)!
monkeywrench1969 (anonymous) says…
Wow look at the hate already. Garcia is cool. He was part of the Explorers way back when there was one high school and a very personable guy. I know he does not even know how to swim.
I would venture a guess if the people referred to in the "New Awards"
- Pulled over and followed the traffic laws no one would have died
- Followed the copyright laws
- put down the gun/knife and followed the law and cops orders no shooting would be needed
People need to blame the bad guys who require communities to need these guys who are getting the awards.
Great job guys.
Hop2It (anonymous) says…
This should have been the lead story...not the recruits. He has been on the streets (not behind a desk) for 28 years in Lawrence. He is one of the good guys.
monkeywrench1969 (anonymous) says…
And getting hit by a car while working isn't too shabby either.
Kynsicat (anonymous) says…
Officer Garcia is awesome! Before I moved to Lawrence, someone had stolen my checks out of my mailbox (the bank mistakenly sent them, rather than holding them as I asked) and proceeded to run up thousands of dollars around town. Officer Garcia went around to the businesses and told them that the real me would be eventually writing checks and to not "freak out" on me. He did not have to do that, but it just shows what a thoughtful person he is. He was very thorough in the investigation and the people were caught and prosecuted. He made a horrible experience bearable and I was very grateful.
He is a great officer and it doesn't surprise me that he jumped right in and saved that boy. Way to go, Officer Garcia! Congrats on the medal of valor....you deserve it!!!