Duluth Cop Named Police Officer Of The Year
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – A twenty-six year veteran of the Duluth Police Department has been named the 2012 Police Officer of the Year by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.
Officer Brad Wick is a sergeant and K9 handler. On August 28, 2011, Wick fatally wounded a suspect who was involved in a string of crimes, including a drug store robbery, a car hijacking at knifepoint, and a home invasion which led to the shooting of the homeowner.
Wick and the suspect exchanged gunfire in the home, resulting in the suspect's fatal wounding, and the end of a hostage situation
Dennis Flaherty, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, qualified Wick's police work.
"If it had not been for Sergeant Wick's quick action and his bravery, it clearly would have ended in a hostage situation where other innocent people could have been harmed," said Flaherty. "His display of quick judgment and his concern for the innocent homeowner was of the highest degree of bravery that could be displayed."
Two officers from the St. Paul Police Department were awarded honorable mentions. Sergeant Bill Haider was recognized for his investigative work which focuses on internet crimes against children. His work recently led to charges against an employee of the state legislature who was involved with child pornography, as well as the conviction of a nurse who aided the suicide of a British man and a Canadian woman.
St. Paul Officer Mike Carroll was recognized for his work in the Eastern District of the city where he serves as the district's business and problem property liaison, multi-housing response officer, and crime statistician. Carroll is cited as one of the most highly respected officers on the St. Paul Police Department and termed by his peers, supervisors and command staff as "one of the finest of the finest."
"These two officers each day report to work and distinguish themselves as the epitome of what a good officer should do," said Flaherty. "They certainly deserve the respect and admiration of officers throughout the state, and clearly that is what these awards represent. Recognition and praise from a cop's peer is the greatest form of flattery."
The awards will be presented Monday evening at the Association's Annual Convention at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria.
