News & Events

• Current Construction Projects
• News Releases
  • Board of Waterworks Vote on Utility Asset Transfer
  • Board of Waterworks Hires New Executive Director
  • Temporary Chlorine Change Complete
  • Emergency Rate Increase
  • Cumberland Boil Advisory
  • Indianapolis Water Customers may notice slight change in drinking water
  • Plainfield Fire Hydrant Flushing
  • IURC Approves Emergency Water Rate Increase
  • Fire, Police & Deputy Sheriff's Community Recognition Luncheon
  • National Drinking Water Week
  • Algae Levels in Geist/Morse Reservoirs
  • UV System To Protect Customers
  • Waterworks proposes to invest $111 million in drinking water system
  • Fall Creek Temporary Shutdown
  • Change in Disinfection
  • April Taste and Odor
  • Wise Water Use Reminder
• Events

Indianapolis Public Safety Personnel Honored for their Service

Thirty-three public safety heroes recognized for their commitment to the community

Indianapolis – Thirty three public safety personnel representing the Indianapolis Fire and Police Departments, as well as the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, were honored today at the 41st Annual Fire, Police & Deputy Sheriff’s Community Recognition Luncheon.  The event honors public safety officers who go above and beyond the call of duty in protecting the people of Marion County.

The luncheon is sponsored by nearly 40 businesses and local organizations, with Veolia Water Indianapolis, LLC serving as the title sponsor.  Along with the luncheon sponsors, more than 500 people gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of hundreds of public safety officers, all of whom were nominated by their peers for recognition. 

“The men and women we honor today put themselves in harms’ way to protect our city but they also take that extra step in serving the public which truly distinguishes them as leaders in their departments,” said David Gadis, president of Veolia Water Indianapolis, LLC and luncheon chairman. 

Several public safety leaders participated in the luncheon, including Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Sheriff Frank Anderson, IFD Chief Brian Sanford, and IMPD Chief Michael Spears. 

“Veolia Water is proud to serve as the title sponsor of the Fire, Police & Deputy Sheriff’s Community Recognition Luncheon, which was first established forty-one years ago by the Indianapolis Water Company,” said Gadis.  “On behalf of the luncheon’s sponsors and supporters, we are grateful for and humbled by the bravery our public safety officers display on a daily basis.”

While the awards range from honoring rookies to law enforcement dispatchers, the ceremony culminated in the presentation of the top three awards, the Firefighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year.  The awards and recipients are: 

Firefighter of the Year, sponsored by Veolia Water Indianapolis, LLC:  Captain John Medvescek, otherwise known as “MUD” has devoted more than 30 years to the Indianapolis Fire Department.  Anyone who has had the privilege of working with him doesn’t walk away without having learned something new.

Captain Medvescek consistently performs to the highest levels set forth by the Indianapolis Fire Department, with his dedication to duty and mentoring of young firefighters. John takes every opportunity to seek out training and education as it relates to the fire service. He then willingly shares that knowledge, wanting everyone around him to be successful.

His supervisors depend on his knowledge and expertise in mitigating incidents knowing that he will get the job done properly and safely. He is determined to make sure that after he retires, those who follow him will be prepared.

Police Officer of the Year, sponsored by Eli Lily and Company:  In 2008, Sergeant Glen Ruegsegger single-handedly worked on and supported all of the unique programming and IT needs for IMPD, including updating systems, maintaining the department-wide personnel system, coordinating and assisting with the deployment of new computers and developing a new Uniform Crime Report software program.

Ruegsegger is also in charge of planning for the creation of a law enforcement regional data warehouse, which will allow Marion and surrounding counties law enforcement agencies to access each other’s information. This will greatly improve the efficiency of police response and investigation of crimes.

Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year, sponsored by M & I Bank:  On June 24th, Deputy Kevin Vice was working off duty employment when he heard shots fired. Deputy Vice witnessed a truck speeding away from the building and an injured person on the ground nearby. Deputy Vice calmly broadcast a very detailed description of the vehicle and called for additional help to try and save the life of the injured man.

After starting towards the person injured on the ground, Deputy Vice noticed 2 men nearby and held them until backup arrived on scene. Throughout this event, Deputy Vice maintained excellent radio communication to both control and responding officers at multiple locations.

Click here for a full listing of award recipients and sponsors.

• Pay Bills Online
• Get E-mail Updates
• Check Reservoir Levels