Merrillville officers honored for infant recovery, SWAT standoff and copper-theft arrest

The Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners recognized officers for three separate incidents that police said demonstrated rapid response and teamwork.

At the meeting President Pullman read a commendation describing a 07/07/2026 incident in which Marshall County provided information that led Merrillville officers to a vehicle connected to an abduction. Officers including Corporal Ian Fultz, Officer Ryan Kajernan, Officer George Fields Jr., Officer Dylan Mazurek, Officer Jillian Evans, Officer Chris Trotter Borelli, Officer Griffin Belt and Detective Philip Mason established surveillance, took the suspect into custody and recovered the infant unharmed. "Their quick response, teamwork, and professionalism helped bring a dangerous situation to the best possible conclusion," the reading stated. The board approved level 2 and meritorious duty commendations for the involved officers.

A second commendation covered a 06/26/2026 incident in which patrol officers and the Northwest Regional SWAT team responded to a barricaded subject who was reportedly threatening to kill herself and others, had barricaded a door, and assaulted officers with a knife. Officers including Sergeant Jason Best and Detective Amanda Early used negotiations, pepper projectiles and gas to resolve the incident and secure a surrender. The board approved level 3 commendations for the response team.

A third commendation recognized officers whose follow-up investigation used security camera images and the Spillman records database to identify and arrest a suspect, Gordon Dale Kazan, in multiple copper-theft cases. Lieutenant Jeff Rice, Officer Griffin Belt, Detective Amanda Early and Officer Terrence Bernowski were recommended for level 1 commendations; the board approved the awards.

Commissioners approved each set of commendations by voice vote. A board member and attendees publicly praised the department’s tornado response and the officers’ efforts during recent severe weather, noting the department’s role in protecting residents and property.