Published: August 06, 2011
Indiana State Police Recognize Guardsmen With Awards
By Sgt. William E. Henry
INDIANAPOLIS - Two Indiana National Guardsmen were recognized and given awards by the Indiana State Police during a ceremony held at ISP Post 52 in Indianapolis, August 2, 2011.
Servicemembers, who requested their full names not be used, Army Sgt. 1st Class Brown, attached to the 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, received the ISP Meritorious Service Award and Air Force Master Sgt. Pratt, attached to the 181st Intelligence Wing, received the ISP Commendation Award.
Both servicemembers work full time with the Indiana National Guard Counter Drug Program. The Counter Drug Program works closely with federal, state and local authorities to thwart illegal drug operations throughout the state.
Brown and Pratt were nominated and recognized by ISP members for their work to go above and beyond normal operation expectations.
Indiana Air National Guard, Master Sgt. Pratt, center, receives an Indiana State Police commendation award from ISP Superintendent, Dr. Paul Whitesell, right, with Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger during an awards ceremony held at Indiana State Police, Post 52 in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. William E. Henry, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Office |
Brown was assigned to the ISP Domestic Cannabis Eradication Suppression Program within the Drug Enforcement Section. He helped to direct personnel from ISP and the Indiana National Guard to prepare and execute a plan for Operation Hoosier Thunder. The operation took place from August 23 to September 3, 2010, on public lands, specifically the Hoosier National Forest, and resulted in the seizure of 325 marijuana plots at a street value of $40 million, the arrests of 22 offenders and the discovery of four indoor marijuana growing operations.
"Working with the state police and the Counter Drug Program has been my life's work," said Brown. "I'm honored for the opportunity to be successful and to help the state and then, of course, my friends, who really deserve this, probably even more than [me], and all their hard work and dedication. It means the world, and we're on the right path."
Pratt was assigned to the ISP Drug Enforcement Section as an intelligence analyst. Pratt provided technical and analytical assistance to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ISP and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police. His commendation was related to his tracking methods in a large scale heroin and cocaine drug trafficking organization operating in Indianapolis with coordination from Detroit. His tracking methods accelerated the pace of the state police investigation and his work resulted in identifying nearly 130 separate criminal offenders.
"When you are honored by the agency you're detailed to, it's very special," said Pratt. "They certainly appreciate the hard work that we do. We get a lot of accolades, pats on the backs, but for them to officially recognize us, it means quite a bit to us. It says a lot for our program."
Indiana Army National Guard, Sgt. 1st Class Brown, center left, and Indiana State Police Sgt. Lucien Perras, right center, receive Indiana State Police Meritorious Service awards and pose with Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, left, and ISP Superintendent, Dr. Paul Whitesell, right, for their work during Operation Hoosier Thunder at an awards ceremony held at Indiana State Police, Post 52 in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. William E. Henry, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Office
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Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger attended the event and congratulated both of the Guardsmen on their awards and thanked them for their hard work and dedication.
"It was really special to come out here and see our National Guardsmen, an Airmen and a Soldier, be recognized by the Indiana State Police for the assistance that they have given," said Maj. Gen. Umbarger. "For their agency today to have our Guardsmen come in and recognize them with some of their highest awards it was really special."
"I think we have a lot in common with the state police, as I saw those that were recognized who go into harm's way and they get exposed to danger each and every day," said Maj. Gen. Umbarger. "To be able to join forces and work with them on this Drug Demand Reduction Program is really a good thing for our state and a good thing for our nation."
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