FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Molly Swigart, Press Secretary

molly.swigart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
Reagan Van Cleave, Press Secretary Intern
reagan.vancleave@iga.in.gov

Sen. Hershman Honors National State Trooper

of the Year
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2016) State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Buck Creek)
honored Sr. Tpr. J. Ryan Winters for being named the 2015 National Trooper of the
Year Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Statehouse.
Winters was recognized for his heroic efforts after saving a couple and their
grandson during a late-night fire in April 2014. He was praised for his modesty and
courage by the Lafayette community and his fellow troopers. Winters has served 13
years at the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post.
It is my honor to publicly recognize and thank Senior Trooper Winters for his
immense selflessness, Hershman said. I am grateful to have a true hero in our
community who puts the lives of others before his own. The state of Indiana can
rest easy knowing we are cared for by courageous individuals like Officer Winters
and the Indiana State Police.
Hershman, along with Sens. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville) and Ron Alting (RLafayette), honored Winters before the Senate in conjunction with State Rep. Tim
Brown (R-Crawfordsville), who honored Winters before the House of
Representatives.
Senior Trooper Winters has said he doesnt feel that what he did was heroic,
Brown said. But three people are alive because when duty called, he bravely
answered that call. Trooper Winters, you are a hero and I am humbled to stand next
to you. Thank you for your service to our community and state.
The legislators officially commemorated Winters courageous acts and his national
award by authoring Senate Concurrent Resolution 10.
-30A photo of Hershman (right) and Winters (left) is attached in the email.