WisDOT honors Wisconsin State Patrol staff for exceptional service

39 awards presented at Wisconsin State Patrol’s annual Awards Ceremony

Release date: April 18, 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) honored Wisconsin State Patrol troopers, inspectors and civilian staff for outstanding service at the State Patrol Award Ceremony held today in Wisconsin Dells.

This year, 39 awards were presented to State Patrol employees who went above and beyond in their service to communities across the state. The annual ceremony highlights lifesaving efforts and innovations that improve state patrol operations. Staff recognized today exude high levels of bravery, dedication and professionalism. 

Governor Tony Evers joined Wisconsin Department of Transportation leaders and spoke at the ceremony. 

“Members of the Wisconsin State Patrol work every day to serve our families, our communities, and keep our roads and communities safe. I’m incredibly grateful for their service and the sacrifices they and their families make every day,” said Gov. Evers. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize their good work each year, and I want to give a huge congratulations to today’s award recipients. As governor, I remain committed to making sure we are taking care of the officers and staff of the State Patrol so they can do their important work for our state.” 

Lifesaving and Meritorious Service awards recognize those who saved lives or put themselves in physical danger to keep someone else safe. The Commendable Service, Superintendent’s Commendation, Unit Citation and employee of the year categories acknowledge accomplishments that contribute to WisDOT’s key mission to build a safe and efficient transportation system.

“We truly value these opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of WisDOT employees who work every day to help us maintain a safe and efficient transportation system in Wisconsin,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “State Patrol’s officers, technical experts and program managers each fill an essential role to keep Wisconsin roads safe and provide a critical resource to help the public and industry groups understand their role in transportation safety.”

Employees were nominated by their peers and selected to receive recognition for their actions by the State Patrol Awards Committee.

“Each State Patrol award recipient embodies the values of our agency. They are leaders within their field. They have compassion, integrity and character,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “It is with great respect and gratitude that we honor their outstanding efforts that are truly make an impact in communities across the state.”

More information about the award recipients and their work is in the Award Ceremony program. Find photos of the ceremony and award recipients here.

Lifesaving Award

Award Recipient

Post

Trooper Kyle Braun

Eau Claire

Trooper Forrest Cantwell

Eau Claire

Trooper Brody Schmitz

Tomah

Trooper Cody Digre

Traffic Management Center

Trooper Steven Frantal

Wausau

Civilian William Frantal

Trooper Caleb Grabow-Hohensee

Wausau

Inspector Dustin Johanning

Tomah

Sergeant Nic Lorenzen

Waukesha

Sergeant Joseph Stephens

Waukesha

Trooper Damian Wood

Eau Claire


Special Recognition

Award Award recipient Post

Commendable Service

Sergeant Jennifer Austin

Fond du Lac

Commendable Service

Jessica Bader

Headquarters

Commendable Service

Sergeant Erica Ballweg-Larsen

DeForest

Commendable Service

Lieutenant Harmanjot Chahal

Traffic Management Center

Commendable Service

Captain Nate Clarke

Headquarters

Commendable Service

Chief David Harvey

Headquarters

Commendable Service

Lieutenant Nate Henriksen

Headquarters

Commendable Service

Lieutenant Andrew Hyer

Headquarters

Commendable Service

Lieutenant Kevin Kinderman

Waukesha

Commendable Service

Lieutenant Luke Newman

Fond du Lac

Commendable Service

Captain Brad Ocain

Waukesha

Commendable Service

Mark Resheske

Headquarters

Meritorious Service

Inspector Kendi Linjer

Wausau

Meritorious Service

Trooper Justin Luangaram 

DeForest

Meritorious Service

Inspector Aaron Peterson

Tomah

Meritorious Service

Trooper Cole Glassford

Fond du Lac

Meritorious Service

Trooper Anthony Rader

Fond du Lac

Superintendent’s Commendation

Trooper Christina Holtz

Tomah

Superintendent’s Commendation

Trooper Steven Kuhnke

Fond du Lac

Superintendent’s Commendation

Trooper Redouan Oubouha 

Waukesha

Superintendent’s Commendation

Trooper David Welling

Fond du Lac

Innovation and Excellence Award

Trooper Brandon Ferrell

Headquarters

Innovation and Excellence Award

Lieutenant Kevin Kinderman

Waukesha


Employees of the Year
Award Award recipient Post
Inspector of the YearInspector David Ecklor
Spooner
Trooper of the YearTrooper Darrick Lorbecki
Traffic Management Center
Civilian Employee of the YearNicole Duensing
Chemical Test Section
Dispatcher of the YearKelly Rhodes
DeForest

For more information, contact:

WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-3581, opa.exec@dot.wi.gov