Bay City Police Department
Keath B. BartynskiTo begin with, Officer Bartynski's production while on second shift last year was either at the top, or near the top of the entire platoon. In October of 2011 he made fifteen felony arrests and twenty-one misdemeanor arrests. In December of 2011 he made thirty-six felony arrests and twenty-five misdemeanor arrests. In August of last year Officer Bartynski and Officer Ritchey were dispatched to a house fire and were first to arrive on scene. Central Dispatch advised that a young teen was in the home lighting books on fire. They entered the house without hesitation and began searching. Unable to breathe or see though the heavy smoke, Officer Bartynski dropped to the floor and crawled until he located the child. While escorting him out of the house, the victim tried to resist and began yelling for the officers to let him die. Officer Bartynski had to pull him and a recliner chair he was clinging to several feet before he could break his grasp and hand him off to Officer Ritchey safely. Even though they were feeling the effects of smoke inhalation, they were able to act quickly without hesitation to perform their duties in order to save a life. For this, Officer Bartynski was recognized with this Lifesaving Award. In October of last year officers from the Bay City Police Department were dispatched to the area of Independence Bridge regarding a suicidal subject. Officers diligently searched the area of the bridge on both sides of the river as well as other areas where the subject was thought to be. Information was finally received that he was located at the Cass Avenue boat launch. Officers Lewis and Bartynski arrived at the scene and found the subject in his vehicle attempting to hang himself. He was unresponsive but breathing. Officers quickly cut the subject free and rendered aid until medical personnel arrived. The Officers outstanding efforts and dedication to duty saved the subject’s life. For this, Officer Bartynski was recognized with the Exemplary Service Award. In December of last year, Officer Bartynski was on patrol in the area of 10th and Jackson when he observed two subjects carrying a television. He attempted to make contact with them and they fled on foot. Officer Bartynski was able to catch one subject after scaling multiple fences and located him hiding in a bush. Once the subject was handcuffed and turned over to assisting officers, he was able to chase down and subdue the second suspect. Officer Bartynski’s actions were commendable and his ability to apprehend two subjects that fled on foot was outstanding. For this, he was again recognized with the Exemplary Service Award. In January of this year, Officer Bartynski observed a traffic violation and stopped the vehicle. The driver attempted to throw out a small package of narcotics and flee from Officer Bartynski. Officer Bartynski was able to arrest the suspect. The suspect’s vehicle was found to be loaded with items stolen from a home invasion he had just committed. The property was returned before the owner had discovered it had been stolen. The victim wrote a letter expressing his thanks and admiration for Officer Bartynski's quick and efficient police work . Because of Officer Bartynski’s efforts this incident reflected well on the department as a whole.
You are hereby recognized as:
“Officer of the Year”
presented by
The Board of Directors
“Crime Stoppers of Bay County, Michigan”
Thomas A. Matuszewski, President
May 16th, 2012
Bay County Sheriff’s Office
Adam J. Brown
You are being recognized for your distinguished service and outstanding performance as a School Liaison Officer, as well as your involvement in the program development and training of area Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders in managing calls involving persons with autism and other special needs inclusive of both children and adults
The Sheriff nominated you for this recognition to be given in the highest tradition of the standards of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
You are hereby recognized as:
“Deputy of the Year”
presented by
The Board of Directors
“Crime Stoppers of Bay County, Michigan”
Thomas A. Matuszewski, President
May 16th, 2012
Essexville Police Department
Steve C. Blossom
You are being recognized for your distinguished service and outstanding performance both on duty and in the community. Officer Blossom while performing his normal patrol duties will seek opportunities that are outside the department's scope of expectation and he will initiate contact with students of the Essexville community. This rapport building effort by Officer Blossom goes beyond normal community relations. Officer Blossom's efforts help maintain the vital line of communication that is needed with the children and young adults in the community. Officer Blossom also continues this relationship through his volunteering in local youth programs while he is off duty. As a result of this type of commitment to the community, the Essexville Police Department has a positive role model for the youth of the community of Essexville. These efforts by Officer Blossom will secure long term positive results.
You are hereby recognized as:
“Officer of the Year”
presented by
The Board of Directors
“Crime Stoppers of Bay County, Michigan”
Thomas A. Matuszewski, President
May 16th, 2012
Michigan State Police
Don R. Zinz
Trooper Don Zinz is a member of the 114th Trooper Recruit School and now serves the Bay City Post, responsible for traffic and investigative support in Bay, Saginaw and Midland Counties. Trooper Zinz is also a member of the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team. He maintains himself in top physical condition and leads others to do the same. In 2003, Trooper Zinz was assigned the duty of Emergency Support as part of the entry team when the door was breached on the residence of known Militia Member, Scott Woodring, for an outstanding criminal sexual conduct warrant. Woodring fired upon the entry team, ultimately killing Trooper. Kevin Marshal. Trooper Zinz remained active in the pursuit of Woodring and continued the manhunt until Woodring was eventually located. As Woodring turned on troopers for an additional assault, he was shot and killed. For his actions on that day, Trooper Zinz was awarded the Michigan State Police Bravery Medal, and was also awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Medal of Valor. Trooper Zinz was also assigned to the 3rd District Fugitive Team from 2002 until 2006. During his assignment he was responsible for the arrest of over 1,000 fugitive felons. Upon his return to the West Branch Post, Trooper Zinz worked out of the Pinconning Detachment located in northern Bay County. Although not his primary patrol area, Trooper Zinz took multiple calls for service in Bay County. Of the many calls taken while assigned to the detachment, one of the most memorable investigations focused on an uncooperative victim who had his throat slashed. Trooper Zinz was able to win the trust of the victim and then convince the victim to cooperate, leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect who is currently serving a 20-year-sentence. Trooper Zinz recently assisted the United States Marshal’s office with a stalking complaint involving sexually explicit letters being sent to the victim. Trooper Zinz located the 47-year-old suspect after tracing the type of packaging used on the flowers, which were left on the 16-year-old victim’s vehicle. After identifying the retail store where the flowers were sold, Trooper Zinz was able to track down the suspect on video surveillance, confronted him with the evidence, and gained a full confession. The suspect was once the basketball coach of the victim when she was in the 4th grade. In addition to Trooper Zinz being an excellent investigator, he also makes time to become involved in his community. He is an avid pilot and promotes general aviation for kids as he offers free flights to those kids who are interested in flying. Trooper Zinz also sits on the Delta College Aviation Committee, providing input and feedback for the aviation program and community in general. When Zinz isn't flying, he volunteers as coach for both a girls and boys soccer team, affiliated with the Bay Area Soccer Association. Trooper Zinz is an asset and role model for the Michigan State Police and for the youth of our community.
You are hereby recognized as:
“Trooper of the Year”
presented by
The Board of Directors
“Crime Stoppers of Bay County, Michigan”
Thomas A. Matuszewski, President
May 16th, 2012
Michigan State Police
Wendy Burnis
Trooper Wendy Burnis graduated as a member of the 102nd Trooper Recruit School, which began August 9, 1987. She was first assigned to the St. Ignace Post, then transferred to the Detroit Freeway Post in 1990. In 1992 she transferred back to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and served at the Manistique Post remaining there for over eight years, then in 2010, Trooper Burnis transferred to the Metro South Post near Detroit and last year moved to her current location at the Bay City Post. She is presently responsible for traffic and investigative support in Bay, Saginaw and Midland Counties.
Trooper Burnis has not been at the Bay City Post very long, but has established herself as a hard worker with a “no-nonsense” approach to police work. She aggressively works traffic enforcement and always seeks the most sensible solutions, making her decisions based on efficient and effective enforcement. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked from some of the most remote areas of the State of Michigan to some of the most populated areas. Trooper Burnis is a field training officer, background investigator and is trained to calibrate class III preliminary breath test units. She readily takes advantage of training opportunities to better equip herself with daily operations at the post. In addition, Trooper Burnis was a leader when exposed to new technology and worked hard to learn new systems, such as the electronic ticket, electronic crash and electronic daily programs. Many suspects have learned firsthand of Trooper Burnis’ investigative ability. She works her cases with pride and drives herself to send thorough investigations to the prosecutor for warrants. It is her persistence in making arrests, which brings relief to all victims with whom she comes in contact.
Although Trooper Burnis works hard as a Michigan State Trooper, she can also be found donating her time to worthy causes. She has been a volunteer for the Schoolcraft County Humane Society, has coached softball and volleyball and has also been an avid supporter of the “Shop with a Cop” programs, regardless of where she is posted. Trooper Burnis is an asset to the post and to her community.
You are hereby recognized as:
“Trooper of the Year”
presented by
The Board of Directors
“Crime Stoppers of Bay County, Michigan”
Thomas A. Matuszewski, President
May 16th, 2012