Tiffin police recognized

Tiffin Police officers and staff were given multiple awards and recognized by Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly at a City Council meeting Monday. Officers Justin Nowak and Marcus Somers were both awarded the Community Service Award and the Lightning Bolt Award for their work. The Lightning Bolt Award is presented to any officer for the apprehension of the perpetrator of a stolen vehicle. On Jan. 15, officers of the Tiffin Police Department, including Nowak and Somers, pursued a stolen vehicle that had a captive in its backseat. The driver refused to pull over and allow the uninvolved person to exit the vehicle and escape unharmed, a police report states. Somers and Nowak maintained pursuit for the duration and used the appropriate amount of force in the termination of the pursuit and arrest of the subject, a release from the city states. "This act is commendable and an example of community service at its best," Pauly said. This is Somers' first Community Service Award and Nowak's fourth. It was the first Lightning Bolt Award for both officers. Pauly also gave special thanks to Officer Drew Westenbarger and Dispatcher Patty Mcintyre for their assistance in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion. Pauly then recognized sergeants Scott McDole and Eric Aller and Officer Becca Timm with Lightning Bolt Awards. On Feb. 2, McDole and Aller, along with officers Timm and Michael Moore investigated an assault complaint on Second Avenue in Tiffin. During their investigation, the identity of the perpetrator alleged to be involved was discovered. While searching the area, McDole observed the subject in what was determined to be a stolen vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to comply, the release states. Officers were led on a slow-speed pursuit due to snowy weather and traveled to the area of Day's Inn on SR 53 in Tiffin, where the suspect's vehicle slid off the roadway and crashed. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers gave chase in the snow and across a frozen creek. Aller, while giving chase, fell through the ice. The subject doubled back in an attempt to evade officers and hide inside the Days Inn. McDole observed the subject inside the Days Inn and apprehended him. This is McDole's and Aller's first and Timm's second Lightning Bolt award. Pauly also thanked Dispatcher Candie Cunningham who did a "great job orchestrating communications during the incident" and Moore who was involved in the case but not in the recovery of the stolen vehicle and subject. "Congratulations to all these officers," Pauly said. "The Tiffin Police Department and this community are proud of you and grateful for the excellent public service you provide to the residents of Tiffin." "Congratulations to all of those officers who were recognized for their commitment to our community. These awards are well-deserved," Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said.