Two receive Chief's Commendation Tuesday

Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Officer Brian Hansen, left, and Sgt. Josh Westerhold, with their Chief's Commendation presented Tuesday, for an incident that occurred in December 2016. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

By Nevada Police Chief Casey Crain

On Dec. 11, 2016, Sgt. Josh Westerhold and Officer Brian Hansen were dispatched to a report of an individual who was threatening suicide and had a gun to his head. Officers were also notified that there were children in the home with the subject.

Upon arrival, one child had already exited the residence. Officer Hansen observed the second child come out the door at which time Officer Hansen left an area of cover to escort the children to safety.

Officers established a perimeter to ensure the safety of the community and secure the suspect in one location under police control. The officers quickly and firmly gained control of the situation by using proper police tactics and voice commands.

Sgt. Westerhold established verbal communication with the subject and was able to develop a rapport with him, convincing the subject to come outside unarmed.

The subject was taken into protective custody without incident and was transported to Nevada Regional Medical Center for evaluation and subsequent admission for mental health treatment. No one was injured in this successful operation.

The amazing restraint and display of outstanding tactics by these police officers is a testament to their commitment to public safety and the finest ideals of service to the community.

I have determined that these officers' professionalism and outstanding service helped bring this case to a successful conclusion and has significantly raised the bar for law enforcement. Their actions are commendable and bring credit to themselves and to the highest traditions of the Nevada Police Department.

Therefore, as a result of their outstanding performance, it is my privilege to award Sgt. Josh Westerhold and Officer Brian Hansen, "The Chief's Commendation," on this the 7th day of March 2017.

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