Vermilion police hands out officer awards

VERMILION — Earlier this month, Vermilion police hosted its annual awards banquet for 2025 Vermilion Mayor Russ Owens attended and issued two mayoral proclamations during the event: • The first proclamation recognized Cpl. Brian Beckwith and Officer Marissa Demuth for successfully responding to a choking call and saving a life using the Heimlich maneuver. • The second proclamation recognized all of the families of Vermilion police officers and dispatchers "and the support that these families provide our staff every day," a police department statement noted, which also thanked Ownes for his faith in the force. Police commanders also thanked the Harbourtown Community Foursquare Church congregation for, once again, planning and hosting the department's banquet. "Your generosity is greatly appreciated," the statement read. Who won what?The following is the listing of Vermilion police officers and dispatchers receiving recognition for their outstanding performance during 2025: • Officer of the year — Brian Beckwith • Dispatcher of the year — Mike Frisky • Part-time officer of the year — Marissa Demuth • Part-time dispatcher of the year — Brooke Jenkins • Awards of merit recipients — Officer Ben Sargent, Officer Ben Chrapczynski • Life Saving Awards — Beckwith and Demuth • Meritorious commendations — Detective Sgt. Scott Holmes, Sgt. Dale Reising, Detective Cpl. Dan Shupe, Detective Nick Kowal, school resource Officer Kinzie Chandler Certificates of commendation —Dispatcher Kate Lulovics, Sgt. Leo Chandler, Beckwith, Officer Zach Scholl, Dispatcher Heather Hill, Frisky, Dispatcher Emily Nank-Kelly, Sgt. Sean Bailey, Officer Emily Cobb, Chaplain Jim Cooper, Dispatcher Angie Alten, Officer Marshall Murphy, Officer Travis Murphy, Kowal Narcan Life Saving Awards — Sgt. Steve Kopniske, Officer Dylon Wood