BUPD Inaugural Awards Ceremony Recognizes Lifesaving Efforts

May 1, 2017

The Bradley University Police Department (BUPD) held its first awards ceremony to recognize the officers, staff, student employees, and citizens who keep the Bradley community safe. 
BUPD Chief Brian Joschko says the awards ceremony was an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and to thank them for their actions. "The ceremony not only recognizes the contributions of the very talented staff but also acknowledges those community members who positively impacted our community by stepping forward and becoming involved. Only together we can make Bradley University safer." 
Among the recognitions were citizen commendations. These are presented to someone who is not a member of the department but who has materially aided the department or its officers in some way.  
  • Student Brianna Seeberger received commendation for her efforts on October 12, 2016. Brianna was in Olin Hall when a student started to collapse.  She assisted the victim to the ground and started CPR which helped save his life.  
  • Student Ryan Lacerna was awarded commendation for his assistance on February 7th, 2017 when he observed a robbery.  When the suspects saw Ryan, they stopped attacking the victim and fled.  Ryan called 9-1-1 and remained with the victim until police officers arrived.  
  • Student Anthony Roder was recognized for his help in identifying vandalism suspects on April 3, 2017.  His assistance ultimately led to the arrest of the suspects.
Life-saving Awards were conferred upon two members of the department whose actions directly contributed to saving or significantly prolonging human life.  
  • On October 12, 2016, Officer Sean Savage was dispatched to Olin Hall for a student having a seizure.  He literally ran to the scene and realized the student was not breathing, did not have a pulse and began CPR. Officer Savage was assisted by student Brianna Seeberger and saved the life of the student victim.  
  • On April 9, 2017, Officer Marlon Williams was on routine patrol when he found a male laying the street. The male, who had just been struck by a car, was unresponsive. Officer Williams rendered first aid until the Peoria Fire Department arrived.  Had he not been found, the man most likely would have been struck by another vehicle.  
The Meritorious Service Award went to Lt. Nora Fales and Police Dispatchers Connie Dunkin and Kira Pamson. 
  • On March 24, 2017 dispatch received a report of a possibly suicidal student. They coordinated the officers’ response and meticulously documented the areas searched.  They took calls, handled radio traffic, contacted the phone company to ping the phone, and called other police agencies.  Meanwhile Lt. Fales led the officer search. Their diligence and quick work were responsible for officers finding the student on a bridge, where he was safely taken into protective custody.
Other recognitions from the ceremony included:
  • BUPD Student Employee of the Year: Senior Maxim Reger. 
  • Community Partner Award: Student Senate
  • Officer of the Year: Lt. Nora Fales

Meritorious Service Award - Chief Brian Joschko, Kira Pamson, Lieutenant Nora Fales, Connie Dunkin, and Captain Troy Eeten.