Officers Honored at ISP Recognition and Awards Ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind - The Indiana State Police held their annual ceremonies this morning to recognize acts of service and sacrifice made by members of the Indiana State Police, other enforcement agencies and the public. The idea for this event was first conceived by the Superintendent, Dr. Paul Whitesell.

He, along with others he consulted, determined there was a need to publicly recognize the achievements, deeds of self-sacrifice and accomplishments that all too often go without proper recognition. This led to the first recognition event that was held on February 22, 2006.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Joe Watts and Terre Haute City Police Detective Larry Manley Received the Commendation Award at the ceremony. The Commendation Award is awarded to an employee or citizen for extraordinary conduct and exemplary professionalism.

On July 23, 2010 Sergeant Watts responded to a broadcast over the radio following a 9-1-1 call from Vigo County dispatch. The report was of a stabbing of two persons and that the suspect was still in the residence. Watts and Manley arrived at the address eight minutes after the first call. They approached the home and peered into the back door where Manley observed a woman lying in a pool of blood.

The officers kicked in the door and announced their presence. Watts was in uniform and Manley in plain clothes. The victim was conscious and informed officers that another female stabbed her and was still in the residence. They found a female being held by a male who had also been stabbed. The male victim was nearing full exhaustion when the officers entered the room. They secured the suspect female and rendered aid to the victims until medical personnel arrived on scene.

The suspect had been attempting to kidnap the newborn baby of the couple after seeing their birth announcement in the local newspaper. The infant was asleep in a baby seat during the incident in the living room. Both officers were honored locally as the Outstanding Officers of the Year in Vigo County for this incident.