Employee/Officer of the Month :: 2007

September 6th, 2007 by Cpl Edward Koczan

The South Bend Police Department recognizes employees monthly for outstanding service or duty. The purpose of the Employee of the Month Award is to recognize officers or civilian employees on our department who have demonstrated actions that are noted by supervisors, or citizens from both a professional law enfocement position, and in support of our community policing efforts with our city citizens.

We will present this as a monthly feature as awards are noted and commended.

March 2007: Corporal Stephanie Marciniak

Corporal Marciniak received an “Exemplary Service Award” for outstanding police work in the arrest of Roy L. Fry. While on patrol, Cpl. Marciniak observed a black Jeep drive through the stop sign at Indiana and Kemble, committing a traffic violation. In quick response, she initiated a traffic stop nearby but the suspect driver attempted to flee on foot, resulting in Cpl. Marciniak’s orders by gunpoint for the suspect to return to the jeep.

Following procedures, she requested back-up and proceeded to check his license and upon permission, located money and drugs in the vehicle. Notably, large amounts of cash and drugs were taken in as evidence; nearly $19,000, along with 975 grams of dried mushrooms—with an estimated street value of $30,000.

Her superiors said, “Cpl. Marciniak could have easily let this traffic stop go. But due to her intuition and positive work ethics, a criminal was off the streets, along with a large sum of money and drugs.”

April 2007 Patrolman Michael Norby

Patrolman Norby received an “Exemplary Service Award” for injuries sustained in the line of duty, resulting in the April 24, 2007 shooting death of fellow officer, Cpl. Nick Polizzotto. The South Bend Police Department commended Ptl. Norby even while the investigation in this tragedy is not closed yet, and was still recovering from his own gunshot wounds after responding to a call about shots being fired near and at the Wooden Indian Motel in the 1600 block of Lincoln Way East.

Returning fire, the lone gunman was killed in the exchange. Chief Thomas Fautz said, “Ptl. Norby is recognized for his courage and perseverance, in display while wounded, under fire and with his partner mortally wounded.”