Cheyenne Police Officer Chad Wellman Named Officer of the Year

More than 60 Cheyenne Police Department employees were recognized for their achievements during the department's annual awards ceremony Wednesday.

Awards were presented in 14 categories, including Officer of the Year, Specialty Officer of the Year, Civilian of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

“People do not join this profession for awards or accolades, but I think it is very important to honor and celebrate our officers and community members who stepped up, made a difference, and show them our appreciation,” said Chief Mark Francisco. “We are very proud of this department.”

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Officer of the Year – Officer Chad Wellman

The Officer of the Year award was presented to Officer Chad Wellman. Throughout his 16-year career, Wellman has regularly performed above and beyond what is expected while serving the department in multiple roles – as a patrol officer, squad leader, field training officer, and as a person who cares to protect his community. During the awards ceremony, Wellman received multiple recognitions for his work throughout the year. His embodiment of doing the job “the right way,” sets an example for younger officers and highlights his commitment to helping strengthen our agency.

Specialty Officer of the Year – Detective Sean Smith

Detective Sean Smith was recognized as Specialty Officer of the Year for his exceptional work as an investigator. He began the year as the newest member of the department’s Community Action Team but quickly became a vital part of the unit. He utilized his certification as a K-9 handler with his partner, K-9 Jano, to help seize narcotics and arrest drug traffickers. He was also instrumental in investigating cases involving fentanyl.

Civilian of the Year – Julie Anthony

The Civilian of the Year Award was presented to Julie Anthony for her work ethic and reshaping the CPD’s Victim Assistance program. Her selfless dedication to the department and victims within the community resulted in her being selected for this award.

Volunteer of the Year – Paul Edner

Paul Edner was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. He has been volunteering for the department since 2005. In 2022, he averaged approximately 42 hours per month in unpaid time to the supply division. He never hesitates to help and is greatly appreciated for his dedication.

Chief’s Award – Officer Mike Webster

The Chief’s Award was presented to Officer Mike Webster for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and attention to detail.

Meritorious Service Award – Sgt. James Peterson

A Meritorious Service award was presented to Sgt. James Peterson for recruiting and hiring new officers in an ever-increasingly competitive environment. Peterson hired more than 10% of the CPD’s current workforce in 2022. Because of his critical outside-the-box thinking and ability to build relationships with other agencies, he has excelled in his position.

Lifesaving Award – Officer James Womack

Officer James Womack was presented a Life Saving Award for heroic actions that saved a human life.

Unit Citations were given to five teams that demonstrated excellence during complex incidents:

Unit Citation – Detective John Maule, Officer Benjamin Vapenik, and K-9 Maverick

Unit Citation – Officer Mic Sekerka, Officer Jay Remers, Officer Mariah Bolkovatz, Officer Chad Wellman, and Lt. Brett Durante (not pictured)

Unit Citation – Sgt. Chase Rippy, Sgt. Eric Norris, Officer Robert Wingeleth, and Officer Talmage Peden

Unit Citation – Officer Jonathan Penhale, Officer Alexander Huff, Officer Chad Wellman, Officer Mariah Bolkovatz, and Detective Sean Smith (not pictured)

Unit Citation – Bill Hickman, Nancy and Charles Cruff, Shari Bolden, Barbara and James Boyd, Craig Nichols, Thomas Heritage, and Paul Edner (not pictured)

Commendation Awards – Sgt. Chase Rippy, Detective James Pendleton, Detective Josh Hedum, Officer Abigail Brown, Officer Heather Townsend, Officer Geff Mims, Officer Kurt Hunter, Officer Alec Wallace, Officer Audrey McGraw, Officer Emily Taraski, Officer Reece Federer, Officer Teralyn Alarid, Officer Ramsee Howe, Officer Ty Volin, Officer David Inman, Officer Sam Johnson, Officer Mark Ehlman, CSO Sybryna Schaffer, Tiffany Marzluf, and Mark Munari

Longevity Awards – Sgt. Zac Bentley (10 years/Field Training Officer), Officer Mathew Mikesell (5 years/Field Training Officer), Detective Jeremy Walker (15 years/SWAT), Sgt. Chase Rippy (10 years/SWAT), Officer Matthew Ryan (5 years/SWAT), Bill Hickman (5 years/ Citizens on Patrol)

Top Shot Instructor – Officer Ben Lewis

Top Shot – Officer Jeremiah Keslar

Marksmanship Awards – Chief Mark Francisco, Capt. Jared Keslar, Sgt. Matthew Solberg, and Detective Craig Sanne

Physical fitness awards were given to eleven members who scored above 75% on PT tests.

Physical Fitness Awards – Sgt. Nick Morgan, Detective Mike Fernandez, Officer David Allen, Officer Jesse Horne, Officer Ian Lohnes, Officer Laramie McAlmond, Officer J Miles, Officer Alberto Perea, Officer Noah Rogers, Officer Kilian Sweet, and Officer Micah Veniegas

“What our employees have accomplished means so much more than what we can convey in a simple plaque or certificate,” said Francisco. “It is important for us to acknowledge the selfless work they do each and every day.”