Cheyenne Police Officers and Employees Honored at Awards Ceremony
Published on January 29, 2025
On Wednesday, January 29, numerous Cheyenne Police Officers and professional staff members were awarded for exceptional performance in their duties. The annual award ceremony was held at the Public Safety Center with city officials, members of the department, and families in attendance.
Awards were presented in 14 categories to over 60 employees, including Officer of the Year, Specialty Officer of the Year, Civilian of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.
“Each officer, civilian, and volunteer plays a crucial role in the overall success of our operations and well-being of our community,” said Chief Mark Francisco. “The stories that you are hearing today are just a snapshot of the outstanding work that occurs each and every day at the Cheyenne Police Department. It’s important to gather together on an annual basis and celebrate these achievements.”
Heroic stories were highlighted during the event – like that of Officers Nathanial Lucero, Audrey McGraw, Daniel vanSwearingen, and Kilian Sweet. In March, they noticed a man standing on the top ledge of a parking garage. He voiced his desires to jump off, but their patience, kindness, and quick actions saved the man’s life.
The Medal of Valor, the highest decoration awarded by the Cheyenne Police Department, was presented to Sergeant Zack Johnson, Officer Kilian Sweet, and Officer Reece Federer for their extraordinary heroism during a dangerous domestic violence incident. Facing gunfire, they bravely entered a residence, engaged an armed suspect, and ultimately saved the victim’s life.
Chief Francisco presented the Chief’s Award to two employees who made a significant impact in the Detective Bureau. Detective James Pendleton was honored for his work in solving one of Cheyenne’s most infamous cold cases, the 2015 Coin Shop Double Homicide. He dedicated countless hours to re-examining evidence which ultimately led to the arrest and charging of the suspect who remains in custody awaiting trial. Lieutenant Adam DeBall was also awarded for his leadership in the bureau. Having not been a detective previously, he embraced the challenge with a thorough systems review that led to improvements with case assignment, tracking, and closure. DeBall also supported his team and provided them with resources – efforts that directly contributed to solving the cold case.
The Officer of the Year award was presented to Officer Nicholas Gordon. Having only served in the department for two years, he has performed at an exceptionally high level and eagerly supported his team while taking on multiple roles – a patrol officer, new SWAT team member, substitute Field Training Officer, and briefing instructor.
Detective Matthew Freeman received Specialty Officer of the Year for his outstanding work as an investigator. He was recognized for his overall body of work while serving the Detective Bureau, as well as the determination he exhibited during a large-scale property crime investigation. Additional highlights included overdose and drug distribution cases.
The Civilian of the Year Award was presented to Kaleb Thompson, the department’s new crime analyst. He played a key role in establishing the Crime Prevention Team alongside Sergeant Eric Norris, creating a Gang Task Force, and advancing intelligence collection. This led to major investigative breakthroughs, including solving a series of over 60 burglaries.
Tom Heritage was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for his expertise in advancing cold case investigations. A retired detective, he reorganized and advanced the Coin Shop Double Homicide, aiding its resolution. He is now reviewing the department’s last unsolved homicide case.
Meritorious Service awards were presented to Sergeant Eric Norris, Detective Jeremy Walker, Detective Damon Hall, Detective Jeffrey Cover, Officer Mark Ehlman, and Officer Kilian Sweet for their exemplary performance.
Additionally, officers were awarded firearms proficiency with the Top Shot going to Officer Cole Tompkins. Physical fitness awards were given to 26 members who scored above 75% on PT tests.
2024 CHEYENNE POLICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Officer of the Year – Officer Nicholas Gordon
Specialty Officer of the Year – Detective Matthew Freeman
Civilian of the Year – Kaleb Thompson
Volunteer of the Year – Tom Heritage
Chief’s Award – Lieutenant Adam DeBall
Chief’s Award – Detective James Pendleton
Medal of Valor – Sergeant Zack Johnson, Officer Reece Federer, Officer Kilian Sweet
Meritorious Service Awards – Sergeant Eric Norris, Detective Jeremy Walker, Detective Damon Hall, Detective Jeffrey Cover, Officer Mark Ehlman, Officer Kilian Sweet
Lifesaving Award – Officer Nathanial Lucero, Officer Audrey McGraw, Officer Daniel vanSwearingen, Officer Kilian Sweet
Unit Citation - Officer Salofi Gaoa, Officer Nathanial Lucero, Officer Nathan Marshall, Officer Joseph Rodriquez, Officer Brian Wiltjer, Officer Robert Wingeleth
Unit Citation - Sgt. Matthew Colson, SFC Ryan Trimble, Officer Mark Ehlman, Officer Lisa Koeppel, Officer Cole Tompkins, Officer James Womack, Officer Robert Wingeleth
Unit Citation – Detective Matthew Freeman, Detective Craig Sanne, Detective Sean Smith, Detective Ty Volin
Unit Citation - Officer Salofi Gaoa, Officer Timothy Painter, Officer David Inman, Officer Joseph Rodriquez, Officer Matthew Ryan, Officer Robert Wingeleth
Unit Citation - Officer Lucas Bray, Officer Kacey Fuller, Officer Talmage Peden, Officer Jeremiah Keslar, Officer Audrey McGraw, Officer Kilian Sweet, Officer Jayson Tretter
Unit Citation - Nancy Cruff, Charles Cruff, Andrea Gold, Joseph Ordway
Commendation Awards – Officer Colin Brengman, Officer Blake Martin, Officer Audrey McGraw, Officer Brendan Tait, Officer Jayson Tretter, Officer Benjamin Vapenik
Longevity Awards – Officer Pat Johnston (15 years/K9 Unit), Detective Brian Davis (5 Years/SWAT)
Top Shot – Officer Cole Tompkins
Marksmanship Awards - Chief Mark Francisco, Officer Timothy Painter
Physical Fitness Awards - Sergeant Zac Bentley, Detective Aaron Willmarth, Detective Matthew Freeman, Detective Matthew Ryan, Detective Ty Volin, SRO Ian Lohnes, SRO Micah Veniegas, SRO Mike Fernandez, Officer Blake Martin, Officer Brian Ahearn, Officer Brian Davis, Officer Daelan Morris, Officer Daniel vanSwearingen, Officer David Inman, Officer Eric Smale, Officer James McClaskey, Officer Jesse Horne, Officer Jim Eddy, Officer Justin Young, Officer Kaitlin Peterson, Officer Kilian Sweet, Officer Marcus Hairston-Payton, Officer Nathanial Lucero, Officer Nicholas Gordon, Officer Reece Federer, Officer Timothy Painter