Utica Honors Top Officers

The city of Utica recently recognized the accomplishments of members of the police department, and citizens, during the past year.
Below are the awards as presented by Utica Police Chief David Faber.

• Officer of the Year: The title of “Police Officer of the Year” has been earned by an officer who has served this department for four years. He has displayed a strong commitment to this department and the residents of the City of Utica. He is an officer with tireless energy. This officer displays the finest qualities that the Utica Police department represents. This year’s recipient is Officer Michael Wilber. He approaches his duties with eagerness and enthusiasm, day after day, ready to assist where ever needed. In watching Ofc. Wilber develop as a police officer it is obvious that he has a strong personal belief system, and sets high ethical and moral standards of himself. In determining the officer of the year you must look at: “what does this officer give to the department, its members, and the community we serve. In Officer Michael Wilber, he gives of himself, through his thoroughness, professionalism and dedication he leaves a positive impression on those that he encounters.   Officer Michael Wilber’s efforts are worthy of “Police Officer of the Year” and are an example of the level professionalism that the Utica Police Department exemplifies.
• Letter of Commendation: Officer Bryan Orlowski. This past June at at 4 a.m. while on patrol, officer Orlowski took notice to an interior light that was on in a parked vehicle. As Officer Orlowski began to back up to further investigate he startled a subject who had broken into the vehicle and was searching for valuables. The subject fled on foot in to the dark and was heard scaling a cyclone fence. In checking with the owner of the vehicle it was discovered that the vehicle had been gone through but no items were taken. Through the efforts of a K-9 and an evidence technician a possible suspect was ID.  Through his efforts Officer Orlowski prevented the theft of the resident’s personal property and furthered investigative efforts in other incidents. Ofc. Bryan Orlowski’s actions are worthy of a “LETTER OF COMMENDATION” and are an example of the level professionalism that the Utica Police Department exemplifies. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.  
• Citizen Letter of Commendation: On May 6, 2013, the Utica Police Department was dispatched to the area of W/B Hall Rd at the S/B M-53 exit on a report of an injury accident. Upon arriving at the scene of the accident, it was discovered that the vehicles remained in contact with one another.  Paramedics were attempting to render aid but were hindered due to the position of the one of the vehicles resting against the driver’s door of the victim vehicle. Within moments the owner/operator “Dino” Juncevic” of “Utica Van Dyke Service” arrived on scene with a flatbed tow truck. “Dino” Juncevic” coordinated with paramedics and police and quickly removed one of the vehicles allowing Utica EMS to render aid more effectively. Dino Juncevic’s quick response and attention to the needs of the City of Utica, significantly contributed to the positive outcome for the parties involved. Further, the quick removal of the vehicles involved resulted in clearing the roadway from a further potential hazard. Utica Police Department and the City of Utica would like to extend our appreciation for your devotion to the City of Utica, its residents and emergency services.
• Letter of Commendation: Officer Douglas Julien started with the Utica Police department in 1984 as a dispatcher. After completing the police academy in 1988 he was promoted to the position of Police officer. Since that time Officer Julien has taken on a number of assignments such as (FTO) field training officer, firearms instructor, motor carrier, traffic safety officer.  Officer Julien has been honored as “Police Officer of the year”. He has further received a number of department’s citation for merit. Through out his 25 year carrier he does not have a single motor vehicle accident on record. Most unforgettable is that he is credited with the most “life saving awards” on the department. Officer Julien will be retiring with in the next month; he will take with him his knowledge and experience and calming influence. For over 25 years Officer Julien has been a dedicated employee serving the City of Utica and its residents. His contribution has left a lasting impression on the department, in the City of Utica and on those that work with him. Officer Douglas Julien’s photo will soon be placed on the Utica Police Departments “Wall of Honor” along side the other employees who have been a part of this City’s long history. In tribute to your long standing dedication and tireless efforts, it is with great pride and admiration that the Utica Police Department presents this “Letter of Commendation." In recognition of your years of service this “LETTER OF COMMENDATION” stands in appreciation of contribution you have made.
• Life Saving Award: Officer Douglas Julien. On May 30, 2013, Officer Julien was monitoring radio transmissions of Shelby Twp Police department. A call of “A man not breathing” at Courtland Racket Ball in Shelby Township at Hall and Mound came out. As the first responding officer, Officer Julien found the subject, a 60-year-old white male not breathing and without a pulse suffering from a possible heart attack. After a brief assessment Officer Julien deployed the department AED (Automated external defibrillator). The AED completed two rounds of shock on the victim. Ofc. Julien continued CPR along with officers from the Shelby Township Police Department until he was relieved by the Shelby Township EMS. The victim regained breathing and pulse, recovering to the point of surviving the heart attack. Officer Doug Julien’s immediate and proper use of an AED and CPR contributed to sustaining the victim’s life. These actions are worthy of the Utica Police Departments “LIFE SAVING AWARD.” This demonstrates the strength of character and quality of personnel that the Utica Police Department has among their ranks. On behave of the Utica Police Department; your efforts are truly worthy of recognition.   
• Life Saving Award: Ofc. Doug Julien and Ofc. James Venegoni. On January 26 2013 Officers Julien and Venegoni were dispatched to Pet Smart on a report of a woman who was down and receiving CPR. Upon arrival Officers Julien and Venegoni assessed victim and immediately utilized an AED from the patrol vehicle. The AED indicated that a shock was required. After the AED discharged, the victim had no response. Officers Julien and Venegoni continued CPR until EMS arrived. The officers coordinated with neighboring agencies to control intersections and traffic for a clear route for EMS to the hospital. In contacting the hospital the following day, it was reported that the victim was still alive and their condition was improving.  These actions are worthy of the Utica Police Departments “LIFE SAVING AWARD.” These actions demonstrate the professionalism and character of Officer Doug Julien and Officer James Venegoni. On behalf of the Utica Police Department; your efforts are truly worthy of recognition. 

• Merit Citation: Officer Kurt Sharrow & K-9 “Bear." On July 27, 2012, the City of Sterling Heights Police had responded to a call of an armed robbery in progress call, which involved three suspects. After a vehicle pursuit, Sterling Heights police took custody of two of the suspects, the third suspect fled on foot and remained at large. Utica Police Officer Kurt Sharrow and his K-9 “Bear” were requested to assist the City of Sterling Heights Police Department in locating the third suspect. After an intensive search in heavy rain, through a densely over grown and muddy drainage ditch, Ofc. Sharrow and “Bear” located the third suspect. The suspect was taken into custody and turned over to Sterling Heights Police. The mud covered and rain soaked duo (Ofc. Sharrow & Bear) returned to the City of Utica to resume patrol. This effort resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous suspect, and provided for the safety of the public at large. Due to the cooperative efforts between K-9 Officer Sharrow and the Sterling Heights police department this incident was resolved and prosecuted expeditiously. This is an exemplary display of the partnership between Ofc. Sharrow and his K-9 “Bear”, and the essential service that they provide. These actions are commendable and worthy of the Utica Police Departments “MERIT CITATION” award.
• Group Merit Citation: Officer Michael Roberts and Officer Bryan Orlowski.                                                  In Nov. 2012, Ofc. Roberts and Ofc.Orlowski responded to a disturbance call at 4 a.m. that was taking place at an apartment. The person reporting the incident had come to the Utica Police department to make the report in person. Once at the location, officers found a number of people in the apartment. In checking ID’s of the persons who remained at the apartment it was “Now” reported that the person who had made the initial report to police was the subject who had caused the disturbance by arriving with a handgun, and began to waive the gun at others. This action is what had caused the disturbance.  Further questioning and investigation by the officers resulted in locating a loaded handgun in the suspect’s vehicle. Once placed into custody a stun-gun was located on the suspect. Further investigation discovered that the handgun was stolen from a gun store along with a large number of other weapons during a breaking and entering which was currently under investigation. This arrest helped to further other investigations and prevented these stolen weapons from being distributed. The actions of these two officers working together culminated into the apprehension of an active and dangerous criminal. These actions are worthy of the Utica Police Departments Merit citation. This incident demonstrates the level of experience and dedication that exemplifies the Utica Police Department.