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Merrillville commission honors Sergeant Lance Schmidt and commends officers Mazurk and Knight
Summary
Sergeant Lance Schmidt was named 2025 Officer of the Year; officers Dylan Mazurk and Daniel Knight received commendations for a pursuit and for lifesaving/crisis response respectively. Motions to award the commendations carried by voice vote.
The Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners presented awards and commendations recognizing local officers for distinct actions over recent weeks.
Sergeant Lance Schmidt was announced as the commission's 2025 Officer of the Year. The chair noted Schmidt's 20 years of service, current assignment as shift commander and work as a K-9 handler; commissioners and the chief praised his professionalism and leadership.
Officer Dylan Mazurk received a level 2 commendation for a pursuit on Dec. 23, 2025. The commission's written account says Mazurk observed a speeding vehicle, effectuated a stop attempt, coordinated with Crown Point officers who deployed a stop stick, and concluded the pursuit when the vehicle slowed and the driver fled on foot and was taken into custody. The commission approved the recommendation and awarded the commendation by motion.
Officer Daniel Knight received two separate commendations. The commission approved a level 3 commendation for forcibly breaching a residence at 6094 Jefferson Street on Dec. 30, 2025, to detain a suspect who was allegedly holding a female against her will; the commission's account praises Knight for placing himself at risk to ensure others' safety. Separately, Knight received a level 1 commendation for a compassionate response on Dec. 16, 2025, where he calmed an emotionally distressed veteran and remained with the subject until paramedics arrived; the subject later called to thank the officer. Both commendations were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: Awards and commendations record formal recognition of officer conduct and provide transparency about incidents that required use of force, pursuit tactics or crisis intervention. The records the commission read into the minutes give date, time and summary descriptions for each action.
What the record shows: The commission read recommendations into the record, motions were made and seconded, and each award was adopted without recorded dissent. The transcript records interjections from the chief and commissioners praising the recipients.
