Police in La Crosse receive recognition at yearly award event

La Crosse police honor their own for outstanding service, during their annual awards ceremony on Wednesday at the Black River Beach center.

More than 20 members of the city police force were given awards, with some being cited in more than one category. Mayor Mitch Reynolds was among the guests who thanked city police for their work, singling out Police Chief Shawn Kudron for his leadership. Kudron says the award event is important for the families of officers as well.

“Policing is a demanding job, a challenging job,” said the chief. “This is a great night for (families) again, to just come together, see their family member who’s a police officer and their colleagues, and see them recognized for great work.”

Police chaplain Diana McGrath read a poem recognizing police, and was honored herself with a citizen award of excellence. Many of the officers receiving honors this year were those called to save lives of people who had taken drugs. A group of officers also was recognized for responding to an incident last fall, where a driver crashed through a fence at the La Crosse airport and got aboard a private plane parked on the runway.

The police also received thanks from keynote speaker Joan Parke, chief operating officer of the La Crosse Boys and Girls Clubs. Parke said she’s not sure that officers hear “thank you” enough for their duty. “You’re part of my village,” said Parke.

This marks the 25th year that the La Crosse Police Department has held a public recognition ceremony.