By Joelyn Hansen
Idaho Falls Post Register
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Police officers expected murder suspect Keith Matthias would run after he jumped out of his car in front of Hawthorne Elementary School the night of Dec. 19. Instead, he walked toward the rear of the car, pulled out a handgun and placed it to his head.
The moment turned intense as the threat escalated in seconds. However, Sgt. Steven Hunt, Officer Joel Tisdale, Officer Gabe Klepich, Officer Brian Smith and Officer Jason Miller didn’t flinch as they remained focused on resolving the situation.
Matthias didn’t give the officers a chance to bring him into custody. He pulled the trigger, taking his own life, shortly after he’d shot and killed his wife’s lover, Jack Purcell, in the Walmart parking lot.
“Every one of (the officers) engaged the threat from the beginning,” Hunt said. "(They) never cowered, (they) backed each other up, were professional, skillful and compassionate.”
All five officers were honored Wednesday with the Idaho Falls Police Chief’s Commendation Award for their performance in the face of danger.
Hunt said he nominated Tisdale, Klepich, Smith and Miller because each one demonstrated self-discipline, bravery and compassion through their actions. Considering the intensity and rarity of the situation, Hunt said it could have been much worse.
“I am proud to have served with these men on that night and felt much safer knowing each of these officers was with me,” he said. “It’s definitely not an everyday occurrence for any of us.”
The department also recognized Sgt. Steven Poulter, Officer Brandon Harkness and Officer Scott Ockerman with Life-Saving Awards. Poulter and Harkness pulled a man out of a burning apartment building July 28, and Ockerman stopped a man from jumping from a downtown building Aug. 24.
Additionally, Officer Buc Rogers and Melissa Smith, the IFPD’s community partnership coordinator, were presented with Commander’s Commendation for coordinating the Idaho Falls Community Night Out event.
Capt. Darren Cook said these awards are given to officers who have demonstrated “outstanding work” in their police duties throughout the year.
Police Chief Steve Roos said too often officers’ work goes unrecognized and it’s important for the department to highlight achievements and congratulate officers for a job well done.
“Most police officers get into the profession because they want to help people,” Roos said. “They see themselves as the knight in shining armor, but (officers) tend to see people at their worst and that can be wearing on officers.”
In the past few months, Roos said, the department has shown exceptional professionalism as its officers have gone above and beyond the call of duty while responding, investigating and solving crimes in Idaho Falls
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