Logan City Police Chief Jeff Simmons presented the department’s 2024 award recipients during the Logan City Council meeting June 17, recognizing individuals who demonstrated courage and dedication in community service over the last year.
The awards were originally presented during the department banquet held May 14 at the Utah State University West Stadium Center.
Valor Under Fire
Detective Micah Vehrs received the Medal of Valor for his actions during a May 15, 2024, operation targeting a child sex enticement suspect at Denzel Stewart Nature Park. The 33-year-old suspect had planned to meet what he believed was a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity.
When the suspect refused to surrender and reached for a handgun during the arrest attempt, Vehrs engaged the armed suspect to protect the other officers. The suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Detective Landon Crotts, how was injured by shrapnel during the incident, received the Purple Heart.
Ten officers involved in the operation received Unit Citations for their actions during the attempted arrest.
“We certainly don’t celebrate the fact that a person’s life was lost, but we celebrate the actions taken by these folks to make sure no one else was hurt. We are grateful for them,” Simmons said during the meeting.
Annual Recognition
Cpl. Andrew Soelberg was named the Willard R. Dahle Employee of the Year, recognizing his leadership in creating supervisory protocols for the administration division and his instrumental role in procuring an armored vehicle for high-risk situations.
Officer Matt Pearce earned Patrol Officer of the Year honors after transitioning back to patrol duties following 20 years of service. Pearce demonstrated leadership and mentored new officers through the field training program.
Detectives Taylor Ditzel and Leticia Johnson were recognized as detectives of the year.
Ditzel was honored for solving a theft case involving nearly $25,000 in stolen firearms, optics and cash from an elderly victim. His investigation led to the arrest of the suspect on felony charges and the recovery of all stolen property.
Johnson was highlighted for her impact as a school resource officer, covering six elementary schools.
External Recognition
Johnson was one of two Logan officers who received recognition from outside agencies for their exceptional community service.
She was named National School Resource Officer of the Year by the National Association of School Resource Officers. Selected from more than 24,000 school resource officers nationwide, NASRO emphasized Johnson’s commitment to the well-being and personal growth of the students she works with.
Cpl. Kyle VanAmen was honored with the CAPSA Bridge of Hope Award in April for his work with sexual assault survivors. As an active member of the Sexual Assault Response Team coalition, VanAmen ensures survivors have advocate support during interviews and maintains regular contact throughout case proceedings.
Department Excellence
Madison Saurey was named Dispatcher of the Year for her dedication to training new dispatchers and serving as liaison for outside agencies. Officer Zen Weight received the Top DUI Award after making 33 arrests out of the department’s total 175 driving under the influence arrests in 2024.
Ten officers achieved 99th percentile scores in firearms qualifications, with Lt. Derek Dickey earning special recognition for a perfect score of 595 out of 595 points under time and weather constraints.
Three people received Chief’s Commendation Awards – Sabrina Jensen for representing the department during filming of a Danish television program, Bryan Low for managing the county’s transition to a new P25 radio system, and Shay Downs for efficient supervision of the city vehicle maintenance shop.
The Edwin “Ted” Edwards Peer Award, voted on by department members and named after the department’s second line-of-duty death, went to Robert Palmer for exceptional leadership and positive influence on colleagues.
The Logan City Police Department serves the community of Logan, Utah, and surrounding Cache Valley area.
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