The Janesville Police Department awarded three Letters of Commendation Monday morning.

This award is given by the Chief of Police to any employee who performs a particularly noteworthy act of service. The actions of the employee must be beyond the normal expectation of duty and based upon a determined and intelligent performance. The following received a Letter of Commendation for the actions listed below.

• Sergeant Dean Sukus, Officer Bryan Naber, and Officer Mario Vitaioli

On October 26th, 2020 officers responded to a residential fire. During the investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set by a family member, and that suspect was threatening law enforcement.

Sergeant Sukus coordinated the patrol response, which was a plan to surveil the suspect’s house instead of making direct contact. Officer Naber and Officer Vitaioli parked down from the house and waited for the suspect to leave, and were able to secure the suspect and take him into custody without incident.

The teamwork between Sergeant Sukus, Officer Naber, and Officer Vitaioli in developing a plan to take a dangerous suspect into custody without forcing an armed barricaded event brought a safe resolution to a potentially threatening situation.

The department would like to hereby publicly acknowledge these individuals for their commendable actions. Their restraint and courage is recognized and respected by the Janesville Police Department.