Five Columbus Police Officers were recognized Tuesday for their actions during the month of January. Lt. Matt Harris, department spokesman, says that all five officers received letters of commendation during the Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety meeting from Chief Jon Rohde and Mayor Jim Lienhoop.

Those recognized were:

Officer Greg Ross was recognized for his actions in helping a driver after his vehicle had flipped over into the Flatrock River during a crash. Ross forced open one of the vehicle’s doors, pulling the driver to safety.

Officers Matt Prendergast and Danielle Stigers were recognized for assisting an elderly Columbus resident after the recent winter weather. Prendergast had given the woman a ride home from the hospital and during their conversation learned that the woman’s husband and child were deceased. Upon arriving at her home, he noted that woman’s driveway and sidewalks were covered in ice and snow. After helping her inide, Officers Prendergast and Stigers and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Lanning returned after their work shift was completed and shoveled the woman’s sidewalk and driveway.

Officers Matt Martindale and Logan Adams responded to check the welfare of a local resident after a caller had concerns that a family member was trying to harm themselves. After checking the home and not receiving an answer at the door, Officer Martindale returned to his patrol car and shut it off. After doing so, the officers could hear the faint

sound of music and a vehicle running in a nearby detached garage. The officers forced entry into the garage and removed the person inside away from the strong odor of the vehicle’s exhaust. The officers noted that this individual had a slight pulse and shallow breathing and they provided life saving measures. This person later regained consciousness at the hospital.