Evansville Police Commission accepts discipline, recognizes retiring officer and issues awards

At its July 22, 2024 meeting, the Evansville Police Commission moved to accept a disciplinary action for Officer Herbert Adams III (badge 1404). S1 announced the discipline and noted an appeal referenced in the record under "ordinance 2.1750.8 D 4," but stated the appeal was not timely and therefore could not be heard.

The commission also recorded the retirement of badge number 1194, effective July 29, 2024, after 27 years, 10 months and 13 days of service with the Evansville Police Department. No further action was required on the retirement announcement.

On recognition items, command staff notified the commission that the chief of police would award a lifesaver award to Sergeant Josh Brewer for actions on April 25, 2024. The body approved certificates of commendation for a large group of EPD personnel for their work on a financial-crimes investigation; S2 moved the motion, which passed on a voice vote. The roster of personnel named in the record includes Detective Nathan Van Cleave; Detective Michael Hayden; Detective Mike Sides; Lieutenant Mike Grama; Sergeant Shelley King; Sergeant Crystal Thomas; Detective Mike Ward; Detective Philip Goodman; Detective Mitch Mansfield; Detective Chris Egan; Detective Cliff Simpson; Detective Chris Gorgon; Detective Quentin Keel; Detective Brian Watson; Detective Dylan Barnes; Detective Matt Knight; Detective Chris Seibert; and Officer Luke Forsen.

Command staff also requested an outstanding citizen award for a civilian who assisted in the April 25 incident; the name in the record appears variously as "Lelina Rotor" and "Lavinia" and the transcript spelling is unclear. The commission moved to issue the outstanding citizen award and the motion carried. S1 said he would prepare the award letter.

The meeting concluded with routine adjournment after scheduling the next meeting for Aug. 8, 2024.