For Immediate Release:

Michael S. Welch, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Indianapolis Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is proud to recognize twenty-three (23) local and state law enforcement officials for their dedication and commitment to the Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force.

The Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force (NEIFBRTF) was initiated in December 1999 due to the increased number of violent "take over" armed bank robberies which occurred in the summer of 1999. Since 1999, the NEIFBRTF has investigated over 118 robberies. Not only were FBI Special Agents and Task Force Officers responding to the banks following the robberies, but Crime Scene Technicians from numerous agencies also responded. Their tireless effort of documenting and collecting evidence greatly contributed to the success of the task force. Additionally, laboratory personnel from several agencies analyzed the evidence and subsequently testified in federal court.

On behalf of FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, SAC Welch presented the following individuals with certificates for General Exceptional Service:

Lieutenant Steven W. Allen, FWPD Laboratory
Latent Print Examiner Eric V. Black, FWPD Laboratory
Sergeant Michael J. Burris, Head Crime Scene Unit, FWPD
Crime Scene Technician Cinda S. Curtis, FWPD
Sergeant Bernie Ebetino, Crime Scene Technician, FWPD
Sergeant Kevin Echterling, Indiana State Police
Crime Scene Technician Alan Lewis Garriott, FWPD Laboratory
Crime Scene Technician Sharyn A. Harmeyer, FWPD
Captain Jeff Jackson, Allen County Sheriff's Department
Crime Scene Technician Thomas A. Linsky, FWPD
Crime Scene Technician Dennis W. McCann, FWPD
Forensic Scientist 2 Linda McDonald, Indiana State Police
Crime Scene Technician Christopher A. Meihls, FWPD
Crime Scene Technician Kim C. Phillipson, FWPD
Certified Latent Print Examiner Thomas M. Pitzen, FWPD Laboratory
Sergeant James D. Ritchie, Crime Scene Technician, FWPD
Detective Sergeant Craig Robison, New Haven Police Department
Crime Scene Technician Mark Rogers, FWPD
Crime Scene Technician Teresa I. Trimble-Holloway, FWPD
Sergeant Mike Trittipo, Indiana State Police
Serologist Angela Woods, Indiana State Police
Laboratory Supervisor David B. Young, FWPD Laboratory
Captain Santiago L. Zamora, Crime Scene Technician, FWPD

Contact: Special Agent Wendy A. Osborne, FBI Indianapolis, (317) 639-3301.

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