The Manitowoc Noon Rotary has named their Police Officer, Fire Fighter, and Citizens of the Year.
During a ceremony at the Capitol Civic Center on Thursday, the Rotary named Officer Bruce Wayne Tuma their Police Officer of the year.
Police Chief Nick Reimer joked during his presentation that it was apt that his parents named him after the comic book character Bruce Wayne, better known as Batman.
“He has an attitude that cannot be beat,” Reimer said. “An then, it’s his work ethic and really the job he has been doing with field training.”
The Police Department’s Citizens of the Year award was granted to Robert and Maria Forster.
Chief Reimer told us that the Foresters have been helping the Police Department with Spanish interpretation for so long, that he was still working 3rd shift when they started.
“They are always ready to take on the call,” he explained. “They have to deal with traumatic situations just like we do. We handle sexual assaults, we handle intoxicated, belligerent people, and they are right there interpreting. I know they feel the effects of that, but they continue to help us out.”
The Firefighter of the year honor went to Jason Pielhop.
Fire Chief Todd Blazer tells us he was instrumental in the vision, design, and implementation of the department’s Computer Aided Dispatch program.
“Jason really stepped forward and introduced the 21st century to the Manitowoc Fire and Rescue Department,” Chief Blaser stated. “The use of iPads that have integrated with the CAD system at the Joint Dispatch Center. He has really made improvements to our operations and what we provide to the community.”
Two Wilson Middle School Students were also honored as the Fire Department’s Citizens of the year.
Jezebel Grossman and Jamiya Gilbert earned the award because of their quick thinking in calling 911 when a school staff member needed medical attention.
“These two young ladies jumped right to task, one dialing 911 immediately, and the other one running to the office to get additional help,” Blaser explained. “[They] made a serious medical condition a wonderful success for that individual, his family, and the community. He is back to work already.”
In fact, the teacher was on hand to watch his saviors accept their awards.
The Rotary has been sponsoring the Police Officer, Firefighter, and Citizen of the year awards since 1977.
