BUCYRUS—Bucyrus Police Chief Neil Assenheimer made a special presentation at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.
Assenheimer addressed council and a packed chamber about the heroism displayed by two police officers and one dispatcher. Officer Devon Wireman, Lt. Curt Bursby, and Dispatcher Jenni Gerger were recognized for heroism following a dangerous shooting situation that ended in Bucyrus on November 11th.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys. These officers showed tremendous courage when they approached the vehicle and took this guy into custody while he was shooting at them with a rifle when they had pistols. They were outgunned,” Assenheimer said.
Officer Devon Wireman fired the shot that immobilized the suspect and allowed a safe and speedy apprehension. Lt. Bursby assisted Wirebaugh after both officers received the call from longtime Police Dispatcher Jenni Gerger.
Gerger dispatched officers when she was alerted by Morrow County deputies that an armed shooting suspect was headed toward the city.
Chief Assenheimer presented awards to Officer Wirebaugh, including accommodation of valor along with a medal of valor and a ribbon of distinction he can wear on his dress uniform. Lt.
Bursby also received an accommodation for valor, a medal of valor, and a ribbon of distinction he can wear on his dress uniform.
Chief Assenheimer told the audience that while police dispatchers are often forgotten, the Bucyrus Police Department is honored to have Jenni Gerger on the force.
It was Gerger who dispatched officers to intervene in the situation. Assenheimer said that Jenni’s calm demeanor set the stage for a successful intervention.
“When I got the call at home, I could tell by Jenni’s voice that this was different. After receiving the information on the call, it was clear Jenni did her job amazingly well,” Assenheimer said.
Assenheimer presented Gerger with a commendation for performance and a ribbon to wear on her dress uniform.
Assenheimer went on to show his appreciation for the council’s support in providing funding so that all body cams and dash cams had been replaced prior to the incident. Previous to the stop, the dash cam in Officer Wireman’s cruiser was out of service. “Body cam and dashboard video provided full procedural transparency of the incident,” Assenheimer said.
The Chief also thanked the community for the outpouring of support of the department. “I did not receive one negative comment or call. The community has been nothing short of amazing,” Assenheimer said.
Assenheimer thanked Pisenello’s Pizza for their support. They provided plastic cups to protect bullet casings at the scene when it began to rain. They fed investigators as they worked the scene throughout the night. They delivered pizzas to the station as well.
The Chief thanked Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent and Deputy Chad Filliater for coming to the scene to offer assistance. He thanked the Bucyrus Fire Department for providing an ambulance that allowed Officer Wireman some much-needed respite at the scene.
Dave Garrick, from The Fraternal Order of Police and the Ohio Labor Council, who represent officers in these situations, presented awards to Wireman, Bursby, and Gerger.
Gerrick’s responsibilities include making sure proper procedures are followed and that officers have the appropriate representation and support. He told the audience that when he learned the Chief was going to honor these individuals, he felt it necessary for his organization to offer recognition as well. He called working with the officers and Chief Assenheimer “seamless and flawless.”
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the three received a standing ovation from the council and chamber guests.