U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
U.S. Attorney Parker honors citizen & law enforcement efforts to reduce crime, build stronger communities in second annual awards ceremony
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Ohio
“Building safe communities requires a mosaic of people and groups who look out for each other and bring their own individual skills and abilities to work together for a greater good,” U.S. Attorney Parker said. “Our office wants to call attention to these dedicated agents, officers, volunteers, and citizens for their accomplishments. We work together, we stand together, and at times we may suffer together, but we make positive change together.”
The awards include:
Kaia Grant Badge of Bravery and Sacrifice Award
Cincinnati Police Sergeant Donald Elsaesser, Cincinnati Police Officers Joshua Jordan, Rachel White, Jeremy Randolph and Lilgenia Wharton
This group of Cincinnati police officials put themselves in harm’s way and risked serious injury to themselves to disarm an individual who was repeatedly stabbing himself as he was going through a mental health crisis on July 6, 2023.
“The bravery, quick response, and teamwork of these officers allowed the man to receive the medical treatment he desperately needed, saving his life,” Parker said.
Law Enforcement Excellence Award
Cincinnati Police Officer Jeremy Burroughs
Officer Burroughs is a 22-year veteran who is currently a third shift uniformed patrol officer in an area that generates some of the most calls for service in the city.
“Throughout his career, Officer Burroughs has demonstrated exemplary patrol strategies that aid in achieving the mission of the Cincinnati Police department. He is consistent in his dedication to solving crimes in progress,” Parker said, noting that Officer Burroughs has also served as a field training officer, helping sculpt the next generation of law enforcement officers to operate with the same high values and sense of community that he holds.
Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award
Dayton Police Detectives Dustin J. Phillips, Geoffery T. Orndorff and Lucas A. Rose
The Dayton police detectives received this year’s Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award for their efforts to reduce gun violence as members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
They have been directly responsible for the recovery of 93 firearms in the last 12 months, leading to federal firearms charges against 37 individuals. Detective Phillips has worked for the Dayton Police Department for 16 years and has been a Task Force Officer with the FBI for eight years. Detective Orndorff has worked for the Dayton Police Department for 10 years and has been a Task Force Officer with the FBI for one year. Detective Rose has worked for the Dayton Police Department for 10 years and has been a Task Force Officer with the FBI for one year.
The Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence Award
FBI Special Agent Andrea Kinzig
Over the course of her 18-year career with the FBI, Special Agent Kinzig has set an almost impossible standard of excellence while pursuing justice for children who have been the victims of sexual abuse or exploitation. Special Agent Kinzig has built cases that have resulted in the successful prosecution of dozens of now-convicted sex offenders, investigating all manner of crimes against children, from production, distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography to coercion and enticement.
“Special Agent Kinzig has chosen a particularly noble and difficult path,” Parker said. “She focuses on protecting the public from predators and on making sure that child victims are heard, vindicated and cared for.”
Polaris Community Service Award
Coordinator Raven Cruz-Loiaza
Dayton Mediation Response Unit (MRU)
The City of Dayton created the MRU in May 2022 to provide an alternative response to armed uniformed responders to calls for service when an armed response was not necessary. Since it was established, the MRU has handled more than 3,500 calls for service and received closure and positive outcomes in 74 percent of its interaction with citizens.
“Thanks to the MRU, people are getting connected to health care, mental health and addiction services, mediation and other services, instead of facing negative outcomes such as incarceration or criminal charges,” Parker said.
Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Dayton)
Centerville Safe
Shortly after the Oregon District mass shooting in 2019, seven Centerville City School students’ parents put their fears and concerns to use and organized Centerville Safe, a non-profit organization, to focus on raising funds to support implementation of safety and security best practices within the City of Centerville school district. They’ve worked with first responders and Dayton Children’s Hospital to present seminars on safety, equipped every classroom with safety kits, and helped schools upgrade their safety systems.
“I join the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Centerville Police Department in commending Centerville Safe for providing invaluable crime prevention support among the community’s youth by partnering with local law enforcement and the school district,” Parker said. “They are fulfilling their worthy mission.”
Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Cincinnati)
Mr. Bob Weidlich
Mr. Weidlich went through the first Springdale Police Citizen’s Police Academy class in 2011 and was quick to give back on the opportunity. He has volunteered more than 2,080 hours to work with the police on crime prevention and community safety programs.
“In addition, Bob has been a participant in the Honor Flight Program, served honorably in active duty in Vietnam and is active within Springdale beyond his service through the police department,” Parker said.
Serve Thy Neighbor Award (Columbus)
U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr., Pastor Donald Fitzgerald, former Chief of U.S. Probation John Dierna, and Alfred Young
Restored Citizens
After speaking on several occasions during the sentencing of individuals in the federal courthouse, Pastor Fitzgerald and U.S. District Judge Sargus established The Restored Citizens program. The program involves meeting with former inmates at the Pastor’s church to discuss positive ways to transition from a life of imprisonment back into the communities they left. The group also discuss the means and resources available to assist them in overcoming systemic barriers to their transition home.
The men paired up with then Chief of U.S. Probation Dierna and Mr. Young, and together, the group provided resources related to topics like housing, employment, transportation and mental health.
“When an individual is calling for another chance, the Restored Citizens program is answering that call. These many men and women of the Restored Citizens program are an instrumental part of the fabric of our community. They represent resiliency and positive change,” said Parker.
U.S. Attorney’s Special Commendation
Ms. Hope L. Harvey Dudley
Ms. Dudley “embodies the spirit of everything we would want in a fighter for law enforcement, victims and the community as a whole,” said Parker.
After gun violence killed her son, Daniel Chaz Dudley, in September 2007, Dudley founded UCanSpeakForMe, a place where families suffering in anguish know they are not alone, and that there are others who are working tirelessly to solve the crimes committed against their loved one and bring accountability to the forefront.
Ms. Dudley has hosted countless vigils and community events, and created playing cards that hold the information and faces of loved ones who were victims of unsolved homicides. These cards have been distributed throughout the community and placed in jails to give prisoners and others the understanding that they can come forward to provide information to law enforcement regarding the crime.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s annual law enforcement awards, please contact Law Enforcement Coordinator Mitchell Seckman at 614-469-5715.
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Updated October 24, 2023
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