Ashland Police Division Personnel Honored at Awards Banquet
Joe Lyons •
February 27, 2025
Ashland Police Division Personnel Honored at Awards Banquet
On February 22, 2025, the Ashland Police Division recognized personnel in a ceremony held at Mount Vernon Estate. In addition to the division-issued awards, State Representative Melanie Miller was present to recognize APD personnel with certificates of commendation from the 67th Ohio House District.
Representative Miller opened the ceremony by summarizing legislation that could impact Ohio law enforcement agencies in 2025.
Chief of Police David Lay presented the following awards during the ceremony:
Officer Adam Srnis for 5 Years of Service to the Ashland community.
Officer Tevin McGuire for an Educational Achievement Award after completing an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Degree at North Central State College.
Two groups of officers were presented with Unit Citations to recognize coordinated teamwork during incidents that are not typical of their basic duties. The first group of citations stemmed from the quick response to a robbery at Rite Aid in June 2024 that ultimately ended in the apprehension of four suspects. Recognized for their work on this case were Lieutenant Aaron Kline, Sergeant Lee Eggeman, Officer Adam Brock, Officer Kirby Clemens, Officer Kyle Dress and K9 Athos, Officer Timothy McGlugritch, Officer Adam Wolbert, Detective James Coey and Detective Kody Hying.
The second Unit Citation resulted from a grand theft investigation at Bill Harris car dealership in December 2024. Officers were investigating the report of an attempted motor vehicle theft from the lot and tried to stop a suspect as it left the area. The vehicle crashed after a short pursuit, and the suspects fled on foot, sparking a three-hour search that ultimately resulted in the arrests of four suspects. Captain Craig Kiley, Sergeant Jonathan Kohler, Officer Joseph Artrip, Officer Tevin McGuire, Officer Bryce Stormer, K9 Smokey, Detective Lieutenant Curt Dorsey, and Detective James Coey received recognition for their work on this case.
Officer Abrahm Neumann earned a Meritorious Service Award for risking his safety to rescue a dog falling through the ice at Brookside Park Pond in January 2024. Although he was successful in helping the dog, Abe also fell through the ice and could not get out of the water by himself. Officer Joseph Artrip rescued Officer Neumann from the pond with the help of two off-duty EMTs. For his efforts, Officer Artrip earned a Life-Saving Award.
The 2024 peer vote awards went to the following staff:
Records Specialist Morgan Shilliday was awarded Civilian of the Year. Morgan has worked in the Records Bureau for three years. Her responsibilities in Records included body-camera redactions and assisting administration as a backup for payroll submissions. Morgan’s peers described her as helpful, hard-working, knowledgeable, happy, friendly, thorough, and trustworthy.
2025 Ashland Police Division Awards Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. PHOTO BY TOM E. PUSKAR
Morgan was assigned to the Detective Bureau through February 21, helping them with case reports and evidence. On Monday, February 24, Morgan’s job classification changes to Police Recruit as she begins the Police Academy at North Central State College. Chief Lay said, “We are excited that Morgan chose to pursue a career in law enforcement with the City of Ashland, and we can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings.”
Officer of the Year honors went to Adam Srnis. Adam previously won the award in 2022. He also earned Chief’s Achievement Award honors in 2023. Adam’s coworkers described him as dedicated, proactive, hard-working, and honest. Chief Lay remarked, “Three performance recognitions in the first five years of a career is remarkable and they are a testament to how Adam’s character aligns with the qualities that we believe provide the best police service to the community.”
2025 Ashland Police Division Awards Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. PHOTO BY TOM E. PUSKAR
Detective Lieutenant Curt Dorsey won Supervisor of the Year. Curt has served the Ashland community for eighteen years. He currently leads the Detective Bureau and manages the case follow-up Division-wide. Curt’s peers and direct reports described him as a good leader who is helpful, hard-working, and friendly. Lieutenant Dorsey has been very involved in the Division’s community policing efforts, coordinating the Fishing Derby since its inception. Chief Lay said, “Curt is willing to take on any task and has been instrumental in the successful completion of a number of Division projects.”
2025 Ashland Police Division Awards Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. PHOTO BY TOM E. PUSKAR
The Chief’s Achievement Award presentation ended the evening, with Detective Kara Pearce receiving the honors. Kara began her career in public safety as a firefighter and EMT with the Loudonville Fire Department after graduating from Loudonville High School in 2009. She also worked as a Dispatcher for the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and the Loudonville Police Department. After graduating from the Police Academy, Kara continued to work for LPD before joining the Ashland Police Division in 2016.
2025 Ashland Police Division Awards Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. PHOTO BY TOM E. PUSKAR
In her 8-year career with APD, Kara has served as a Field Training Officer, Evidence Custodian, and Crisis Negotiator. She has been assigned to the Detective Bureau for three years and is a forensic interviewer. Kara enjoys her role as an investigator, her interactions with children, and helping them deal with trauma.
Kara coordinates the Division’s most significant community engagement program, Shop with a Cop, and the fundraising efforts leading up to the event. That program allows several hundred children to experience a nice Christmas that otherwise may not have had the opportunity every year. Chief Lay noted, “Kara’s capacity for empathy and compassion for others stands out. People routinely ask me how Kara is doing and then share a story about how she helped them once.”
Mayor Matt Miller closed the ceremony by thanking those in attendance for their commitment to public safety and keeping the City safe.
Photo credit: Tom Puskar, City of Ashland