INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis Tuesday.
The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and accomplishments that all too often go without the proper recognition, according to a news release from the ISP. Officers were recognized for their dedication, service, bravery and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana.
Trooper Matthew Drudge was recognized as the 2024 Trooper of the District for the Bremen Post. This award is given annually to a trooper in each district that personifies integrity, professionalism and a well-rounded work ethic. Drudge was selected by his command staff for his dedication, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations.
Drudge’s efforts resulted in him making 430 criminal arrests and assisted other troopers and agencies in many more. Over the course of 2024, Drudge’s traffic enforcement resulted in 357 traffic citations and 577 warnings. He also has been active in the Indiana State Police marijuana eradication program. His community-oriented efforts saw him work at the Elkhart County Fair, Indiana State Fair and the Indianapolis 500, the release states.
Drudge also received the District DUI Award for the Indiana State Police Bremen Post. This award is presented to the top trooper in each district for outstanding efforts in removing intoxicated drivers from Indiana’s roadways. Drudge’s efforts resulted in 51 arrests for drivers operating while intoxicated during 2024.
Drudge has been a trooper for nearly 10 years. He lives in Kosciusko County.
Senior Trooper Brian Robbins was recognized, along with Officer Bradley Taylor and Officer Tyler Thornton of the Mishawaka Police Department, for their lifesaving actions that took place Aug. 18, 2024.
On this night, Officers Taylor and Thornton were in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle when the female driver of the fleeing vehicle lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wooded area. The female driver suffered life-threatening injuries, and her vehicle caught on fire. Taylor and Thornton pulled the female from the burning vehicle and found that she was unresponsive with no pulse. While they began CPR, Robbins retrieved his AED, but no shock was advised. Robbins took over on chest compressions and she began to have a pulse. The driver survived this crash and continues to recover. The extraordinary conduct of all three officers resulted in her surviving this crash, according to the release.
Robbins has been a trooper for 14 years. He lives in Elkhart County with his wife, Morgan, who is also an Indiana State trooper, and his three children.