Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham Presents Department Awards

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At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham gave out awards to numerous police officers in recognition of their service.

“I stand here before you today very proud and very humbled,” Denham said. “I’m extremely proud of every officer and staff member receiving an award tonight.”

According to Denham, the awards were supposed to be given out in May, but the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay.

Kyle Stockdale was honored for five years of service, Josh Mercer for 10 years and David Clary for 15 years.

Due to time conflicts for some officers, Denham only presented Stockdale’s award in front of the council. Denham praised Stockdale’s attention to detail, diligence and court testimony, which he said resulted in the arrest and conviction of a child abuser who has received over 56 years of prison time.

Denham then recognized Carl Buster, Buddy Croy and Autumn Jorgenson for their work in getting the Centralia Police Department (CPD) accredited, which he called “no small feat.”

“They spent countless hours. … Their hard work was instrumental in accreditation,” Denham said.



Michael Barela and Deter Voetberg were recognized with a lifesaving award. According to Denham, the two officers provided lifesaving care to someone who had suffered a heroin overdose. Denham told those in attendance the overdose victim would have died had they not received medical aid from Barela and Voetberg.

Bob Willey was given the Volunteer of the Year Award by Denham. Willey oversees the Centralia Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Team. Denham said the ARES team, a group of civilians who use ham radio to communicate, has provided the department with a lot of support in the past. Denham told the audience he “couldn’t be prouder” of the those on the ARES Team, citing the team’s help with the bombing of an ATM machine in Centralia and flooding from earlier this year.

Denham awarded Andrew Huerta with the Officer of the Year Award.

“(Huerta is) the go to individual whenever you need anything done,” Denham said.

Denham also gave an award called the Chief’s Award, the recipient of which Denham personally selects. For the award, Denham chose the members of the Joint Narcotic Enforcement Team (JNET). Denham praised the team for its work while using a picture of JNET director and Lewis County sheriff candidate Tracy Murphy during the presentation. 

After recognizing JNET, Denham gave the Medal of Distinction to Chad Withrow for his work on JNET. According to Denham, Withrow became a target for assassination by gangs because of his work, causing him to leave the area with his family.

The last award Denham presented was given to Tracy Wiese. Wiese was given the Award for Meritorious Service as well as a 50-year service pin. According to Denham, after retiring in 1992, Wiese returned as a volunteer, performing over 1,000 hours of detective service each year.