Friday, April 7, 2017, 1:41 PM
Detective Nathan Schmidt is the 2017 recipient of the 34th annual Ruthann Popcheff Memorial Award presented by the IMPD Victim Assistance Unit. The award is given to an officer who goes out of his/her way to treat victims with dignity, compassion, and respect. Officers nominated for this award have gone beyond the normal call of duty to provide exceptional services to victims of crime. This year six officers were nominated for the award which is presented during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 2 – 8.
- Det. Nathan Schmidt
- Det. Scott Scheid
- Det. Brian Schemenaur
- Officer David Carney
- Officer Michael Price
- Officer Eric Reidenbach
The award is named for Ruthann Popcheff, the first civilian supervisor of the Victim Assistance Unit. Popcheff passed away suddenly in the ‘80’s and the award was renamed in her honor.
“She was one of those people who gave and gave. It wasn’t unusual for her to take money out of her own pocket to give to victims,” said Lisa Brown, IMPD Victim Assistance Manager. “Ruthann’s family is still involved with the unit – when we go on scenes of different crimes her mother will call after she sees one of us on TV to ask if we are doing okay.”
Popcheff’s son, Greg Popcheff, is an officer with the IMPD.
Nominations for the award come from staff members of the Victim Assistance Unit.
“We are on scenes with them and see their interaction with victims and they consistently go out of their way to help,” Brown said. “They are the ones who go above and beyond the call of duty and are always caring and respectful, no matter the circumstance.”
In addition to a plaque, Schmidt – a 10-year veteran of the department – received a pin designed by former honoree, Capt. David Hensley, that has been approved to be worn on the IMPD uniform. All nominees receive a certificate.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department