Hastings Police Chief Bryan D. Schafer announced that on Wednesday, December 16th, the Hastings Police Department will hold the last of 3 award ceremonies for his officers and staff.

Due to COVID, a series of small ceremonies were held in order to safely recognize the great work done in 2019-2020. Typically, one ceremony is held during our Police Week Open House.

“It is an honor and pleasure to present these awards to the women and men of the Hastings Police Department who strive for excellence by promoting the City’s CORE Values through “Pride in Service” in their daily work and achievements.”

The Hastings Police Department is committed to respectful, efficient, and effective service to all who live, work, and visit our beautiful and historic City. In addition to this year’s awards, we formally swore in 5 new officers and 2 newly promoted Sergeants. In all, 41 Special Award of Merits, 6 Award of Merits, 19 Life Saving Awards, 3 Chief’s Award of Excellence, and 2 Letters of Recognition were presented. Congratulations to all the officers and staff!

Chief’s Award of Excellence Records Manager Mary Cofer Commander Bryan Schowalter Deputy Chief Dave Wilske Special Award of Merit – COVID All Employees Special Award of Merit – Civil Unrest Sergeant Sam Beuch Officer Geoff Latsch Investigator Paul Young Department Award of Merit Clerk Kathy Belisle Investigator Patrick Diedrich Clerk Ginger Glaser Clerk Brenda McGrath Officer Dan Vomastek Investigator Nate Wood

Chief Bryan Schafer (right) swears in Officers Chad Schlichte (left) and Payton Walser (middle). Welcome to Hastings! Photo courtesy of the City of Hastings.