2003 Law Enforcement Awards
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Edwin Jeffrey Schneider
Patrolman First Class
West Manheim Township Police Department
Patrolman Schneider is a 17 year veteran of the West Manheim Township Police Department. Schneider was born in Buffalo, NY, is married and has two children.
Schneider is a certified inspector for MCSAP, and coordinates his department's highway safety program with the Pennsylvania State Police, PA Department of Transportation and adjoining municipalities. Schneider is a member of the York County Drug Task Force, and previously worked for the Ocean City Police Department.
Schneider has received 16 letters of commendation, and letters from the Chief of Police, Board of Supervisors, and citizens.
Schneider has shown a commitment to his community both on duty and off duty.
Schneider has served as committee chairman for a local cub scout pack, and assistant scoutmaster for a local boy scout troop. In addition, Officer Schneider has served as a youth football coach and a youth baseball coach for the West Manheim Recreation Association.
Schneider is directly responsible for his department's highway safety program, and has been certified as a motor carrier vehicle inspector. Schneider was a key factor in procuring and equipping a multi-purpose unit for his department. The vehicle can be utilized for emergency management, crime scene forensics and highway safety. Schneider spent many man-hours to assemble the unit within budgetary constraints.
In 2003, Schneider noted suspicious activity at a township residence. Schneider's investigation became valuable when a federal task force consisting of US Customs agents and various Maryland authorities came to the department seeking information on a subject at that residence. A search warrant was eventually served which resulted in the arrest of the township resident as part of a multi-million dollar drug ring operating from California to Maryland.
Nominated by: Walter J. Franek, Chief of Police, West Manheim Township Police Department
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
David S. Andress
Deputy Sheriff
York County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Andress is a one year veteran of the department. Andress was born in Philadelphia, PA, is married and has two daughters. Andress served with the United States Navy, receiving an Expeditionary Award during the Cuban Missle Crisis. Andress has served eight years with the Jefferson Borough Council, and is a member of the Hanover Masonic Lodge for 31 years. Andress has been involved with the York City Softball League for 17 years.
In September of 2003, Deputy Andress and his partner were en route to pick up a prisoner for a court hearing when they were waved down by a subject on the street. They observed that the man was injured about the face, and the man directed them to an armed suspect. Andress and his partner exited the vehicle, where they observed a second victim, and the deputies attempted to detain the suspect. Andress advised County Control of the incident.
As the suspect turned to face them, the suspect was observed with a handgun in his right hand. The deputies ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but the suspect refused to comply. The deputies backed away from the suspect, hoping to draw him away from a congested downtown intersection.
The suspect walked toward the deputies, away from the intersection. The suspect still refused to drop the weapon, and advanced on the deputies. As the deputies attempted to subdue the suspect, the suspect fired his weapon at Andress, striking him on the side of the stomach. Andress' partner then fired two shots at the suspect, who dropped to the ground. The deputies secured the scene and called for assistance.
It was later determined that the suspect had a lengthy criminal background, and had been previously arrested for attempted homicide.
Nominated by: William M. Hose, York County Sheriff
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Mark Edward Chipps
Deputy Sheriff
York County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Chipps is a one year veteran of the department. Chipps was born in Doylestown, PA, and has 3 children. Chipps holds an Associates Degree in Industrial Security from the Air Force Community College. Deputy Chipps has nearly 30 years prior law enforcement experience with the New Jersey Department of Corrections, the Flemington, New Jersey Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Department.
Chipps served with the NJ National Guard, NJ Army National Guard, NJ Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves culminating in 29 years of service. Chipps has received military awards as well as law enforcement awards and citations. Chipps has been involved with the Law Enforcement Explorers and the Hunterdon County Juvenile Officers Association. Chipps also has an interest in Civil War re-enactment, SCUBA diving and horse back riding.
In September of 2003, Deputy Chipps and his partner were en route to pick up a prisoner for a court hearing when they were waved down by a subject on the street, who Chipps recognized as an attorney. They observed that the man was injured about the face, and the man directed them to an armed suspect. Chipps and his partner exited the vehicle, where they observed a second victim, and the deputies attempted to detain the suspect. Chipps advised his partner to contact County Control to advise them of the incident.
As the suspect turned to face them, the suspect was observed with a handgun in his right hand. Chipps drew his weapon and came to a low ready position. The deputies ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but the suspect refused to comply. The deputies backed away from the suspect, hoping to draw him away from a congested downtown intersection.
The suspect walked toward the deputies, away from the intersection. The suspect still refused to drop the weapon, and advanced on the deputies. As Chipps attempted to subdue the suspect, the suspect fired his weapon at Chipps' partner, striking him on the side of the stomach. Chipps then fired two shots at the suspect, who dropped to the ground. Chipps continued to cover the suspect. The deputies secured the scene and called for assistance.
It was later determined that the suspect had a lengthy criminal background, and had been previously arrested for attempted homicide.
Nominated by: William M. Hose, York County Sheriff
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Steven D. Lutz
Police Officer
Newberry Township Police Department
Officer Lutz is a one year veteran of the Newberry Township Police Department, and has served in law enforcement for eight years. Lutz was born in Harrisburg, PA and is married. Lutz graduated from Dauphin High School, and attended Harrisburg Area Community College studying Police Science.
Lutz is a DARE instructor and a bicycle patrol officer. Lutz has prior law enforcement experience with the Carroll Towsnship Police Department and the Shiremanstown Borough Police Department. Lutz has received several commendation letters and the Community Service Medal. Lutz is a member of the York County Fraternal Order of Police and the West Shore Police Association.
Officer Lutz has organized several community events, including bicycle rodeos and safety demonstrations, child seat inspections and school safety programs. Lutz also organized a charity football game between police officers and School teachers.
In April of 2003, Lutz responded to a domestic dispute, where a distraught male was found threatening suicide. The subject was holding a large knife to his chest and refused to comply with officers. Lutz positioned himself between the subject and a five year old, and assisted in subduing the subject with minimal injury.
Nominated by: David W. Duffy, Chief, Newberry Township Police Department
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Brian S. O'Melko
Detective
Northeastern Regional Police Department
Detective O'Melko is a 16 year veteran of the Northeastern Regional Police Department. O'Melko was born in East Stroudsburg, PA is single, and has a son. O'Melko holds a Bachelors Degree in Police Science from York College of Pennsylvania. O'Melko has previous law enforcement experience with the Monroe County Sheriffs Department and the York County Sheriffs Department.
O'Melko has received the Chief's Commendation, the Meritorious Conduct Award, Educational Achievements and Safe Driving Award. O'Melko's prior assignments include firearms instructor, OC spray instructor and PR 24 instructor. Detective O'Melko serves as the field training officer for criminal investigations phase of training.
Detective O'Melko was continuing an investigation into a number of burglaries and thefts with losses in excess of $50,000 over a period of several years. He eventually was able to interview a suspect who was imprisoned on an unrelated charge. The interview led to a second suspect, and the crimes involved crossed into other jurisdictions. After three months of interviews and in-depth investigations, charges were filed on both suspects, who eventually pled guilty to a combined total of 60 burglaries in York County, and were involved in additional crimes in Dauphin and Lancaster Counties.
Nominated by: Darryl L. Albright, Chief, Northeastern Regional Police Department
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
John C. Snyder
Sergeant
Newberry Township Police Department
Sergeant Snyder is a 14 year veteran of the Newberry Township Police Department. Snyder was born in York, PA, is married and has a daughter. Snyder graduated from York Suburban High School and attended Shippinsburg University. Snyder is a criminal investigations supervisor. Snyder has prior law enforcement experience was the Springettsbury Township Police Department.
Snyder has received several departmental awards including the Medal of Valor and the Newberry Township Police Department 2003 Officer of the Year. Snyder is a member of the York County Fraternal Order of Police and the West Shore Police Association.
Sergeant Snyder has been instrumental in improving his department in 2003. Snyder built a new holding cell at the department headquarters, and restructured the department's criminal investigation case management.
Snyder led several serious criminal investigations and successfully handled the prosecution of a homicide suspect.
Snyder led the rescue of Officer Andrew Knaub when Knaub was shot and injured at an incident in April of 2003. Snyder then served as the incident commander during the first hours of the subsequent hostage situation.
Nominated by: David W. Duffy, Chief, Newberry Township Police Department
2003 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Clay A. Stevens
Police Officer
York City Police Department
Officer Stevens is a ten year veteran of the York City Police Department. Stevens was born in York, PA and has two daughters. Stevens' prior assignments include ASP instructor and Officer Friendly. During his service with the York City PD Officer Stevens has received four Letters of Commendation and two Chief's Commendations. Stevens was the 2003 Police Officer of the Year for the York City Police Department.
Officer Stevens, in addition to ranking above average in many measurable categories of evaluation, has demonstrated a quiet leadership to his fellow officers.
In 2003, Stevens was recognized by District Justice Linda Williams for his professionalism in dealing with a psychiatric patient at her residence.
Also in 2003, Stevens was given limited information about a suicidal subject. Following up on this information, Stevens located the subject in a locked garage, where the subject was attempting to take his own life through carbon monoxide poisoning. Stevens arrived in time to save the man's life.
In addition, Stevens was instrumental in obtaining a confession from a robbery suspect who was later linked to several other area robberies.
Nominated by: Mark L.Whitman, Commissioner, York City Police Department
