The Southern Pines Police Department has recognized outstanding performance for two of its police officers, according to Southern Pines Police Chief Nick Polidori.
On April 27, the Southern Pines Police Department’s Awards Committee met to consider peer and leadership team nominations for employees who performed in an exemplary manner during the first quarter of 2021.
Below represents the names of the Southern Pines Police Department award recipients that have been recognized for the hard work and dedication they put forth on a daily basis to serve the community.
Officer Steven Wessman – Employee of the Quarter and Life Saving Medal
During the first quarter of 2021, while conducting self-initiated field activities and directed patrols, Officer Wessman made several narcotics arrests resulting in the seizure of notable quantities of various types of narcotics, including a large quantity of methamphetamine and the seizure of a firearm. As a patrol officer assigned to a patrol division team, Officer Wessman not only answers his calls for service in his assigned zone but dedicates time in between those calls and follow-up activities to self-initiate proactive policing strategies.
On March 24, 2021, while dispatched to a medical distress call for service, Officer Wessman arrived on scene and immediately assessed the situation. Recognizing the patient was in a medical emergency, Officer Wessman administered a first dose of Narcan to the patient and then began chest compressions until EMS arrived on scene to take over life-saving measures. Officer Wessman then administered a second dose of Narcan and resumed chest compressions which allowed EMS personnel to provide oxygen to the victim. The victim regained a pulse and was transported by EMS to an area hospital for further treatment.
Officer William Byloff – Chief’s Letter of Recognition
Officer Byloff is assigned to the Directed Patrol Unit, which is tasked with addressing emerging crime trends and traffic-related education and enforcement activities. During the first quarter of 2021, while performing data-driven and self-initiated field activities, Officer Byloff made multiple narcotics arrests and served several outstanding arrest warrants. These activities led to the seizure and recovery of various items of drug evidence and firearms. Officer Byloff’s performance fully displays his dedication to the job, the community and the police department.
Contributed.
