Patrolman Luke Berry has been named the Police Officer of the Year for 2023 by the St. Francis of Assisi Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Berry “demonstrates a relentless pursuit of felons and is extremely effective in finding and seizing illegal firearms and narcotics,” his nominating letter says, while also serving as a mentor and role model for other officers.
Berry, who has been commended by his peers for his work ethic and proactive crime-fighting style, utilizes community policing techniques, frequently talking to employees of gas stations, hotels and retail stores to prevent and solve crimes there.
In 2023, Berry led the department with 59 arrests and 331 criminal charges and responded to 1,310 calls – the second-highest number in the department. He is also among the department’s leaders in traffic stops, which is how many of his drug and firearm investigations begin.
The award was presented Dec. 16, 2024, at a City Council meeting.
Also presented that evening were other departmental awards for over-and-above police work:
Professionalism Award: Sergeant Jon Hayes, Patrolman Dave Gallagher, Patrolman Ed Lajeski
On Aug. 16, 2023, Sgt. Hayes, Ptl. Gallagher, and Ptl. Lajeski were dispatched to a traffic altercation involving a man with a knife. The dispatcher advised that there were similar incidents involving this male where he was threatening motorists and had slashed car tires.
It was reported that the male had gone into a restaurant and was now threatening to kill the manager. The officers entered the restaurant and Sgt. Hayes began communicating with the man while Gallagher and Lajeski helped people get out of the restaurant. The officers attempted to convince the male to drop the knife but he would not comply and threatened to take his own life. Because of the threats against himself and others, officers had no choice but to use the TASER, which effectively ended the incident. The man told them he needed mental health assistance and even thanked the officers for the kindness and respect they demonstrated toward him.
Even in a life-threatening, critical incident, these officers demonstrated professionalism, kindness and courtesy consistent with the core values.
Quality Service Award: Patrolman Kevin Schaefer
On Oct. 25, 2023, Pt. Schaefer responded to a domestic violence call which also included other serious criminal allegations. During this encounter, Schaefer was met with a verbally combative subject, but all the while he maintained his composure and professionalism. According to the lead detective, Schaefer was very thorough in his investigation, leading to the arrest of the subject for domestic violence. He was also commended by the detective for writing a clear and concise report which made the remainder of the case easier to investigate and complete.
Ptl. Schaefer showed dedication, thoroughness and persistence in furthering the department’s mission and values.
Life Saving Award: Sergeant Ron Stolz
On Nov. 4, 2023, Sgt. Stolz responded to a restaurant for a report of a female having difficulty breathing. The dispatcher gave an update that the female was now seizing and unresponsive. It was discovered that she had been choking. Sgt. Stolz arrived on scene and immediately began performing the Heimlich Maneuver. He was able to dislodge the obstruction and the woman began to breathe again. Her husband later came to the police station to say that Sgt. Stolz’s quick actions are what saved his wife’s life that night.
Sgt. Stolz demonstrated one of the wide variety of skills that a police officer is equipped with to protect the citizens of Strongsville.
Joseph A. Gambino Prosecutor’s Award: Detective Mike Bertz
On Jan. 3, 2023 at about 5 a.m., Strongsville officers responded to the Fiat of Strongsville car dealership on Pearl Road, where they found the dealership had been broken into and nine high-end luxury cars, valued at more than $650,000, stolen
This case became part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving 26 car dealerships throughout northern Ohio that suffered similar crimes over several months, with 86 vehicles worth more than $5 million stolen. A total of 34 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies worked on the investigation.
The Strongsville case was particularly relevant to the overall investigation as Detective Bertz had recovered surveillance video of five suspects committing the theft in our dealership. He also submitted DNA that was found in some of the stolen Strongsville vehicles after they were recovered. The DNA linked two people to the Strongsville incident and to four other thefts. Cell phone records were also acquired that helped confirm this.
In the end, eight of the nine vehicles stolen from the Strongsville Dealership were recovered and 11 individuals were indicted by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. All 11 were convicted for multiple felony charges. Congratulations and job-well-done, Detective Mike Bertz.