08/12/2026
Please join us in honoring the following Capt. Tellefsen, Sgt. Benway, POII Hatfield and POII Mahlandt for their actions, courage and compassion during a recent crisis intervention incident. All four of these officers have been presented with a letter of commendation to recognize their exemplary service it reads as follows.
"It is my pleasure to formally recognize and commend you for your outstanding performance during a critical incident on July 31, 2026.
While serving involuntary commitment papers on a resident, the situation quickly escalated into an armed and highly volatile encounter. The individual refused to comply with lawful commands, threatened to shoot responding officers, and at one point brandished a firearm while threatening to shoot everyone on scene. The incident ultimately evolved into a prolonged six-hour barricaded subject situation that required exceptional judgement, patience, and professionalism.
Throughout this dangerous and unpredictable event, you demonstrated remarkable restraint, compassion, tactical discipline, and unwavering commitment to preserving human life. Despite being confronted with an immediate and credible deadly threat, you remained calm under pressure, exercised sound decision-making, and worked collaboratively with fellow officers to safely manage the incident. Your measured response helped de-escalate an extremely dangerous situation and ultimately resulted in the peaceful surrender and custody of the individual without injury to the subject, officers, or members of the public.
Your actions exemplify the highest standards of the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department and reflect great credit upon yourself, this agency and the law enforcement profession. Incidents of this nature demand courage, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and exceptional tactical judgement. You demonstrated each of these qualities throughout the incident.
Please accept my sincere appreciation for your dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to protecting our community while preserving the sanctity of life. It is an honor to recognize your exemplary service, and this Letter of Commendation will be placed in your official personnel file in recognition of your outstanding performance.
Congratulations, and thank you for a job exceptionally well done."
Great job gentlemen.