Above and beyond
Sumpter Township Police officers honored for exceptional service to community
Sumpter Township Cpl. Colleen Gottschalk was honored as the Officer of the Year recently during a meeting of the township board of trustees.
The honor was presented by Public Safety Director/Police Chief Eric Luke.
“Corporal Gottschalk consistently displays a strong work ethic, always on time and ready to work. With her steadfast presence, Corporal Gottschalk is always available when the department and community need her,” Luke said during the announcement. “At a time when the Department was undergoing staffing changes, Cpl. Gottschalk stepped up in her role as corporal and as the senior officer on the road patrol. As one of the department’s defensive tactics instructors, Cpl. Gottschalk conducted training to ensure officers are prepared for real-world situations they may encounter,” Luke added.
“Corporal Gottschalk is a valuable asset to this department – a pillar of reliability, dedication, and professionalism – earning her the distinction of Officer of the Year,” Luke said.
The award ceremony included honors and awards to several police officers coinciding with National Police Week earlier this month.
In addition to the Officer of the Year honor, the Chief’s Recognition Award for firearm incidents was presented to Ofc. Nelson Hammons; Gottschalk, Ofc. Ken Toney; Ofc. Chris Rose; Ofc. Larence McLendon and Sgt. Sean Hudson.
McLendon; Hudson; Ofc. Kevin Gibson and Rose also received the Chief’s Recognition Award for narcotic incidents.
Officer Nicholas Johnson was recognized with the Chief’s Recognition Award for service to citizens and lifesaving awards were presented to Rose and Ofc. Gino Criscenti and in separate incidents to Gibson and Rose.
The Academic Achievement of Hudson who completed the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program in 2025, was also recognized.
Criscenti was also recognized for patrol productivity and awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. McLendon’s service to the community was also recognized with the Meritorious Medal.
During the presentation, Luke detailed the exceptional service of each officer in separate instances of service to the township. Details of each officer’s meritorious service are available on the Sumpter Township Police Facebook page.
