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Awards

The Manitowoc Police Dept is proud to announce that Lt. Robert Barbier has been selected as the 2009 Police Officer of the Year through the Manitowoc Noon Rotary Club.

Robert Barbier started with the Manitowoc Police Department in August 1991. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004, Training Coordinator in 2005, and in 2008 Barbier was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He holds numerous certifications including State of Wisconsin Unified Tactical Instructor, certifying him to teach Defense and Arrest Tactics, Firearms, Emergency Driving, Vehicle Contacts, and Professional Communications. Rob is also a Tactical Rifle Instructor and responsible for all weapon preparedness. In addition, he is the Coordinator of the Department's Field Training Program that trains every new officer.

Lt. Barbier was instrumental in the new outdoor shooting range project, working with the community and different city departments to solicit funds and volunteer time to assure that the Manitowoc Police Department has a quality building in which to train at their outdoor range.

Rob was also responsible for bringing Tasers to the police department, conducting all research, purchasing the equipment, and providing all of the training.

Lt. Barbier is well respected by peers and superiors alike. Statements from those who nominated him for Rotary Police Officer of the Year reveal the high regard he has from his fellow officers. They include "Lt. Barbier exhibits important qualities such as excellent communication skills, knowledge and experience, overall professional appearance, and a positive attitude," and "Lt. Barbier has kept the training standards of the Manitowoc Police Department very high and continually works to provide new equipment and training to the officers."

Rob lives in Manitowoc and enjoys spending time with his wife now that their two children are grown. He is very involved with all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and making maple syrup.

Lt. Robert Barbier was recognized for his exemplary hard work and dedication throughout the past year and honored as the recipient of the 2009 Noon Rotary Police Officer of the Year Award at a noon luncheon at the Holiday Inn on February 11, 2010.

Lieutenant Robert Barbier

Noon Rotary "Officer Of The Year Award"

Lieutenant Robert Barbier

Detective Erik Kowalski attended the University of Tennessee's National Forensic Academy, January 10^th through March 20, 2009. The National Forensic Academy is an in-house 10 week intensive state of the art Forensic Science training facility that has a total of 24 students from across the United States in each session. Upon completion of the training course, the classmates, instructors and NFA Administration, vote to award one student with the prestigious "Dr. William Bass Award" For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Forensic Investigations.

Dr. William Bass is world renowned for his achievements and contributions to the world of Forensic Science and for the creation of the Anthropological Research Facility, also known as "The Body Farm". Currently there are 300 human bodies in all stages of decomposition on this 1.3 acre parcel of land located at the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Bass has assisted in hundreds of high profile investigations around the world. He was recently called upon to assist with the exhumation of "The Big Bopper" a victim from the Buddy Holly plane crash. Dr. Bass's "Body Farm" is opened only to Anthropology doctorate students, the FBI Evidence recovery team and the National Forensic Academy.

In week seven all 24 students were provided a numbered ballot to vote a classmate to receive the award. All were instructed to place a fellow student's name on the ballot that met the following requirements: academically excelled when questioned/challenged, applied extra effort in the class room setting, was willing to assist classmates who needed assistance and overall represented professionalism at all times inside and outside of the academy. Detective Kowalski was named the winner, that was announced at the culmination ceremony held on March 20, 2009. Dr. Bass was in attendance and personally presented his award--he is currently 86 years of age. This was a complete surprise to Detective Kowalski and he was humbled and honored by his selection.

Detective Kowalski is the second Investigator from the State of Wisconsin to graduate from the National Forensic Academy.

Detective Erik Kowalski

University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy

"Dr. William Bass Award"

Detective Erik Kowalski

The Manitowoc Police Department is proud to announce that Officer Jason Delsman received an Award of Valor, at a presentation held April 20, 2009 at Manitowoc City Hall.

On Sunday, March 15, 2009, Officer Jason Delsman and Manitowoc County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Littlefield volunteered to respond to a call of a vehicle on fire. The dispatcher had reported that a disabled man was trapped inside the burning vehicle. Officer Delsman responded to the location and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Officer Delsman indicated that the flames were as high as the garage. The male was able to exit the vehicle and manage to move an inch or two with the help of his walker. Officer Delsman disregarded his own personal safety and approached the disabled man in the intense heat to remove him from along side of the burning vehicle. Due to the man's disability, Deputy Littlefield arrived and with his assistance, the male was carried away from the fire. As the man was being carried away the vehicle's gas tank exploded and the vehicle became fully engulfed reducing the interior to bare metal.

Officer Delsman after receiving the award noted that he's "Grateful to be honored with the Award of Valor".

Congratulations Jason!

Officer Jason Delsman

Award of Valor

Officer Jason Delsman