05/13/2026
During tonight's Township Board meeting, and coinciding with National Police Week (May 11-17, 2026), department awards for 2025 were presented. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the recipients.
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CHIEF'S RECOGNITION - FI****MS INCIDENTS
250005418 – Officer Nelson Hammons
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Officer Hammons was investigating a family trouble
incident in which one of the parties referenced a firearm being involved. Through a solid investigation, Officer Hammons was able to locate the firearm and discovered it had been reported as stolen. The stolen handgun was recovered, to be ultimately returned to its owner, who reported its theft almost 22 years earlier.
250006688 – Corporal Colleen Gottschalk, Ofc Ken Toney, and Ofc Chris Rose
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Corporal Gottschalk, Officer Toney, and Officer Rose were attempting to locate a 24-year-old male, known to use and sell drugs and carry a gun, who was wanted for felony weapons charges. As they were serving the arrest warrant at the male’s residence, they discovered another illegal firearm. While the suspect evaded arrest that day, the officers successfully recovered the illegal handgun.
250007697 – Officer Larence McLendon
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Officer Rose located the subject of a BOL for a possible drunk driver. During the course of the investigation, the 43-year-old male driver was determined to be highly intoxicated, with his infant child in the back seat. The driver, whom Officer Rose observed to have a Concealed Pistol License in his wallet, could not state if he had a firearm with him; however, it was determined that the driver had likely removed his handgun from his waistband as he was being pulled over, as the handgun was observed on the driver’s floorboard at his feet. The driver was arrested for drunk driving offenses, along with carrying a firearm while intoxicated, and the handgun was recovered.
250016011 – Sergeant Sean Hudson
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Sergeant Hudson conducted a traffic stop on a speeding motorcycle. The 51-year-old motorcyclist, wearing the colors of an outlaw motorcycle gang, was found to be suspended. Continued investigation revealed the male to be carrying a firearm concealed on his person. The male was arrested, and the illegal handgun was taken off the streets.
250017436 – Officer Nelson Hammons and Officer Larence McLendon
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Officer Hammons conducted a traffic stop for a simple defective equipment violation – an inoperable headlight. During the traffic stop, the driver was arrested for not having a valid license. The 21-year-old passenger was determined to have several warrants for his arrest. After the occupants were removed from the vehicle, Officer Hammons and Officer McLendon located a firearm concealed under the passenger’s seat. The passenger was arrested, and the illegal handgun was recovered.
250018600 – Officer Christopher Rose
On Monday, November 17, 2025, Officer Rose was investigating a possible road-rage incident. Over the course of the investigation, Officer Rose discovered one of the parties, a 38-year-old male, involved in the altercation was illegally carrying a firearm during the confrontation, with its existence even being verbally referenced toward the other party, escalating a verbal exchange over a traffic disagreement to what could have become lifealtering. The handgun was recovered, and the male was arrested.
250019087 – Officer Christopher Rose
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Officer Rose located the subject of a BOL for a possible drunk driver. During the course of the investigation, the 43-year-old male driver was determined to be highly intoxicated, with his infant child in the back seat. The driver, who Officer Rose observed to have a Concealed Pistol License in his wallet, could not state if he had a firearm with him; however, it was determined the driver had likely removed his handgun from his waistband as he was being pulled over, as the handgun was observed on the driver’s floorboard at his feet. The driver was arrested for drunk driving offenses, along with carrying a firearm while intoxicated, and the handgun was recovered.
CHIEF'S RECOGNITION - NARCOTIC INCIDENTS
250000441 – Officer Larence McLendon and Sergeant Sean Hudson
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Officer McLendon conducted a traffic stop for speeding. The driver, a 34-year-old male, was found to be driving while his license was revoked. Subsequent to his arrest, during an inventory search of the vehicle, Officer McLendon and Sergeant Hudson located a scale with white powdery residue, along with a plastic baggie containing over 12 grams of co***ne with an estimated street value of over $1500.
250009005 – Officer Kevin Gibson and Officer Christopher Rose
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Officer Gibson located the suspect vehicle involved in an earlier incident involving the brandishing of a firearm, occupied by three males. One of the occupants, a 24-year-old male, was recognized as having an active felony warrant for weapons offenses and is also known to use and sell drugs. Once Officer Gibson was joined by Officer Rose, the three suspects were removed from the vehicle and detained. During a search of the vehicle, Officer Gibson and Officer Rose discovered two packages of psilocybin “psychedelic” mushrooms. Officers Gibson and Rose also discovered a pill bottle containing dozens of pills in the shapes of cartoon characters, initially believed to be ecstasy, that were later determined to be over 19 grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of over $1000.
CHIEF'S RECOGNITION - SERVICE TO CITIZENS
250002899 – Officer Nicholas Johnson
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Officer Johnson was dispatched for a welfare check of a 72-year-old resident who is physically disabled and suffers from dementia. Officer Johnson was unable to get a response from within the residence. Officer Johnson continued efforts to make contact with the resident, as she was supposed to be at the home, ultimately observing her lying on the floor and not responding to his presence. Unable to find an unlocked door, Officer Johnson forced entry into the residence and was able to rouse the resident and summon further medical assistance for her.
LIFESAVING
250005155 – Officer Christopher Rose and Officer Gino Criscenti
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Officer Christopher Rose and Officer Gino Criscenti responded to a residence for a 19-year-old female who was found unresponsive with agonal breathing and no pulse. Officer Rose, being first on scene, immediately began CPR on the female, and was quickly joined by Officer Criscenti. Officers Rose and Criscenti continued CPR as HVA arrived on scene and incorporated their AED into the life-saving measures. When the Fire Department arrived, Officer Rose and Officer Criscenti continued to assist as the LUCAS device was set up. The female was transported to the hospital, where it was revealed she suffered from seizures that caused this cardiac arrest. Despite the initial grim outlook, because of the immediacy and effectiveness of CPR and other life-saving efforts, the 19-year-old survived and continues to recover.
250012235 – Officer Kevin Gibson and Officer Christopher Rose
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Corporal Gottschalk, Officer Toney, and Officer Rose were attempting to locate a 24-year-old male, known to use and sell drugs and carry a gun, who was wanted for felony weapons charges. As they were serving the arrest warrant at the male's residence, they discovered another illegal firearm. While the suspect evaded arrest that day, the officers successfully recovered the illegal handgun. The driver had likely removed his handgun from his waistband as he was being pulled over, as the handgun was observed on the driver's floorboard at his feet. The driver was arrested for drunk driving offenses, along with carrying a firearm while intoxicated, and the handgun was recovered. Ecstasy, that were later determined to be over 19 grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of over $1000.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVMENT
Staff & Command – Sergeant Sean Hudson
Sergeant Sean Hudson completed the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program in 2025.
PATROL PRODUCTIVITY
Officer Gino Criscenti
For measurable road patrol activity, Officer Gino Criscenti distinguished himself above his peers as the overall most productive officer for 2025. Officer Criscenti took the most calls for service, wrote the most case reports, was one of the top officers in traffic enforcement activities, and made the most arrests for the year.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
250002034 – Officer Gino Criscenti and Officer Larence McLendon
On January 31, 2025, Officer Criscenti and Officer McLendon responded to a traffic crash on Rawsonville Rd near Willis Rd involving a vehicle that had rolled over in the ditch and caught on fire. Officers Criscenti and McLendon arrived and found the driver still inside the vehicle, trapped. Officers Criscenti and McLendon acted quickly, using fire extinguishers to suppress flames and worked to free the trapped driver. Joined by the Fire Department and other agencies, Officer Criscenti and Officer McLendon continued to work to free the driver and put out the fire. The driver was ultimately freed from the vehicle and was transported to the hospital for his injuries sustained in the crash and subsequent burns. Without the quick response by Officer Criscenti and Officer McLendon, the outcome could have been much worse. For their selfless actions, taken without regard for their own safety as they worked to save the trapped motorist, they are awarded the Meritorious Service medal.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Corporal Colleen Gottschalk
Corporal Colleen Gottschalk has proven herself to be an integral part of the Sumpter Township Police Department. Corporal Gottschalk consistently displays a strong work ethic, always on time and ready to work. With her steadfast presence, Corporal Gottschalk is always available when the Department and community need her. Corporal Gottschalk represents the Department positively and professionally and maintains a strong rapport with the residents we serve. At a time when the Department was undergoing staffing changes, Corporal Gottschalk stepped up in her role as Corporal and as the senior officer on the Road Patrol. Corporal Gottschalk readily took on additional duties that reflected her knowledge and abilities, which Command officers could rely on. As one of the Department’s defensive tactics instructors, Corporal Gottschalk conducted training to ensure officers are prepared for real-world situations they may encounter.
Corporal Gottschalk is a valuable asset to this Department – a pillar of reliability, dedication, and professionalism – earning her the distinction of Officer of the Year.
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We thank these officers, along with every other member of the department, for their dedication and professionalism in furtherance of our goal to provide the best police services to Sumpter Township.
