The Marquette University Police Department honored members of the department, as well as citizens and community partners, at its annual Merit Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 18, at the Lubar Center in Eckstein Hall.
The following individuals and organizations were recognized:
Community Partner Award
Richard Pieper, Sr.
Richard Pieper, Sr. has provided long-standing support for MUPD through his leadership in promoting servant leadership. He has provided valuable resources, mentorship, and guidance to both the department and the broader community. His ongoing partnership and commitment have strengthened community engagement and helped advance MUPD’s mission of fostering a safe and collaborative environment.
Kelly O’Neill
In her role as the Community Prosecutor for the Near West Side, Assistant District Attorney Kelly O’Neill has worked closely with MUPD, area businesses, landlords, Near West Side Partners, and other Community Partners to address any issues or challenges that arise. ADA O’Neill also works proactively to improve the Marquette area as well as the surrounding area.
Campus Partner Award
Liam Hoyer and Avary Benavides Shefland
Avery Benavides Shefland and Liam Hoyer were the driving forces behind the new student EMS unit. They worked on writing policy and procedures, creating processes for response, and making connections through emergency medical resources in the community and at the state level. The program went live on March 26, 2026, with a team of around 20 EMTs.
Citizen Commendation
Valentina Wichgers
Valentina demonstrated exceptional compassion and initiative by independently supporting community members in need. Using her own money, she donated nonperishable food to Marquette’s Backpack Program and created food and winter care bags for Repairers of the Breach, along with additional items like coats and a sleeping bag. Despite being a high school student, she carried out these efforts on her own without seeking recognition.
Jermauri Hall
Jermauri is an Eagle Express driver and radioed into his dispatcher that there was a problem in front of MUPD. It was reported that a fight was about to break out, with the potential to escalate into a dangerous situation. In a very stressful situation, he remained calm on the radio and gave detailed answers to MUPD dispatch for further information for responding officers. His quick thinking, level-headedness, and attention to detail exemplify professionalism and dedication to the safety of the campus community.
Department of Campus Safety Student Employee of the Year
Sean Habash
Sean Habash was nominated and selected for this honor by his peers for showing DCS what it means to go above and beyond. As a hard-working and reliable supervisor, Sean contributed greatly to the success and efficiency of all DCS operations. Throughout the year, he worked many hours to make sure operations remained well-staffed and ran smoothly, constantly seeking ways to improve and implement those practices.
Life Saving Award
The Life-Saving Award is conferred upon any member of the department whose actions directly contribute to saving or significantly prolonging human life.
- Sgt. Nick Laboy
- Police Officer Steven Ohland
- Police Officer Juan Martinez
- Police Officer Vincent Acevedo
- Police Officer Jose Abrego
- Milwaukee Police Department Officers Matthew Paradies and Jacob Hensley
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service award is presented to a member who has distinguished themselves by exceptional service in the performance of their duties or great or unusual responsibility wherein they have displayed initiative, marked ability, keen observation skills and dedication to the department’s mission within the community.
- Assistant Chief Jeff Kranz
- Lead Communication Officer Karen Kneiszel
- Police Officer Paul Zientek
- Police Officer Carolina Mora
Excellence in Police Service Award
The Excellence in Police Service Award can be presented to any member who makes a significant contribution, above and beyond the ordinary call of duty over a period of time in pursuit of the department’s mission. The award recognizes those instances over a period of time wherein the member’s diligence, teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving ability are exemplified by the highest standards.
- Police Aide Alex Scherzberg
- Lt. Kevin Walz
- Sgt. Josiah Williams
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is given to any member of the department who has shown a commitment to the welfare of the community beyond the normal call of duty. Such commitment can be demonstrated in a single act or in a series of acts that focus on advancing the quality of life of the Marquette community residents.
- Police Officer Carolina Mora
- Police Officer Valerie Gunderman
Unit Commendation Award
The Unit Commendation Award is awarded to two or more members who perform an act or a series of acts over a period of time which demonstrate a high degree of teamwork and professionalism, and which result in the attainment of department goals, thus increasing the department’s effectiveness and efficiency.
- Lt. Joe Erwin
- Sgt. Josiah Williams
- Sgt. Ken Simms
- Police Officer Jesse Nelson
- Police Officer Paul Zientek
- Police Officer Adam Schein
- Police Officer Tom Wichgers
- Lt. Jim Hensley
- Police Officer Andy Huber
- Police Officer Juan Martinez
- Police Officer Tom Wichgers
- Police Officer Carolina Mora
- Police Officer Eliza Kranz
- Police Officer Quintin Harris
- Police Officer Emily Wells
- Police Officer Jordan Sisley
Certificate of Commendation
Presented in recognition of a high degree of competence and professionalism in the performance of departmental duties. This includes exemplary conduct in the field or on an operation, outstanding administrative work, and the effective handling of a criminal investigation.
- Communication Officer Don Trimboli
- Lead Communication Officer Karen Kneiszel
- Communication Officer Holly Schaller
- Communication Officer Jordan Krimmer
- Administrative Assistant Maria Farnham
