Chesterton’s Assistant Police Chief Cisco Rodriguez surprised Police Chief Tim Richardson, by honoring his leadership with an Exceptional Service Award during Thursday’s Police Commission meeting.
A number of other officers were honored for their performances in the line of duty the past year.
Richardson had wanted to present awards to Officer Nolan Mancera and Lt. David Virijevich for how they handled a dangerous shootout with a suspect in front of the Hilton Garden Inn on June 18. Mancera was wounded and the suspect, Joseph Gerber, who had fired first, died after he turned a gun on himself.
However, Richardson said he is submitting Mancera and Virijevich for a regional award for their bravery, so the two will be honored locally at a later date.
Rodriguez took the opportunity to recognize Richardson for his actions on June 18.
“Your calm, principled guidance during times of crisis — most notably the officer-involved shooting on June 18, 2025 — demonstrated strength, clarity and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Under your direction, the department navigated an intensely stressful incident with composure, safeguarding officers, citizens, and the integrity of the investigation,” Rodriguez said.
Genuinely surprised by the award, Richardson was quick to turn the spotlight away from himself.
“You’re only as good as the team around you,” Richardson said.
And, there were plenty of other actions by officers to honor.
There was the teamwork of Sergeants Eric Lisoski and Justin Frever, who each received an Exceptional Service Award.
On May 29, while on assignment on Interstate 94 for the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Lisoski identified a stolen vehicle and began a pursuit.
The pursuit ended with a crash on U.S. 421 and Lisoski arrested the suspects, who fled their overturned vehicle. Afterward, Lisoski and Frever, who is a detective, secured evidence which led to the two suspects being charged for participation in a pharmacy burglary ring in Minnesota.
Corporal Arwen LaMotte was honored for her exceptional service in successfully investigating and filing charges in six sex crime cases.
One case involved a 13-year-old girl who was sexually abused while living in a local campground. That case not only led to a man being charged with child molesting, but the girl’s mother was also charged with obstructing justice and child neglect.
Officer Jorge Perez was recognized for his response on Feb. 10 to a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle connected with an ongoing fraud investigation.
The vehicle’s speed exceeded 130 mph on the Indiana Toll Road until it stopped, and two suspects exited. Perez engaged in a foot pursuit, which helped lead to the arrest of both suspects — one who was hiding in a trash can. Later, Perez’s collection of evidence led to the suspects being charged with multiple felonies for fraud.
Chesterton Police Officers Ryan Miller and Cole Foster, along with Porter Police Officer Matthew Reynolds, all received Life Saving Awards for their first aid efforts in helping a man who sustained a severe laceration on his right forearm during a disturbance in the 200 block of Grant Avenue on June 4.
The decisive actions of the three officers in applying a tourniquet saved the man’s life.
“Their ability to remain calm, assess the situation, and apply appropriate emergency first-aid techniques exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement and community care,” the citation states.
Richardson presented Letters of Commendation to Rodriguez and Corporal Darren Conley for their work in launching the Citizen’s Police Academy. The program enhances community relations with the police department.
In other business, Richardson announced the promotion of three officers. Frever, who heads the detectives, was promoted to lieutenant. Aaron Miersma was promoted to sergeant while Nick Vanni was elevated to the rank of corporal.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.