Strongsville Officers Honored for Bravery, Compassion

A man with a gun had taken his ex-girlfriend hostage in her home in Brunswick.

More than 30 hours of negotiations failed to end the situation, and the Southwest Enforcement Bureau's SWAT team had to act.

Four Strongsville police officers were on entry team. Patrolman Brian Oiler was assigned to distract the gunman and try to deploy a Taser.

Daniel McNeal was with the unit trying to rescue the hostage. And Patrolmen Brian Vlna and Michael Mendise were part of the team seeking to neutralize the suspect. 

"All four officers put their lives at a high level of risk to rescue the hostage and end the incident," Deputy Chief Tony Zacharyasz said. "In the end, a textbook entry was made and the hostage was rescued."

The four were among the Strongsville police department members honored Monday night for exceptional work in 2012.

Zacharyasz said the Medal of Valor is rarely given, but said the officers' actions in the incident in Brunswick Nov. 30 deserves recognition.

Other awards went to: 

Compassion Award

Sgt. Greg Cravatas assisted on a call last August involving the sudden death of a 37-year-old woman. 

Her 12-year-old son was there, and Cravatas befriended the boy to try to help him through the difficult situation.

He learned the youth was planning to try out for sports teams when he entered middle school, so Cravatas took it upon himself to raise money and buy a gift card the boy could use to purchase the equipment he needed.

"Sgt. Cravatas did more than just handle a call; he took the time to befriend a hurting young man and helped him get through a very tough time," Zacharyasz said.

Blue Collar Award

Patrolman Dan Mertz was on routine patrol in March 2012 when he saw a suspicious man near a business in the north end of town.

He stopped and talked the the man, but felt his story didn't add up. 

While he had the man detained, he learned that two nearby homes had just been broken into. 

Mertz was able to link the man to the burglaries and recover all the stolen items.

"Thanks to Patrolman Mertz's observations and instincts, a career criminal was taken off the streets," Zacharyasz said.

Quality Service Award

Patrolman Michael Mendise has received a number of commendations for his professionalism, work ethic and compassion.

He was nominated for the award for his dedication to Strongsville. Mendise is known to go into elementary schools on his own time to meet and teach young children about police work.

"He has unselfishly gone above and beyond to serve our community and his fellow officers," Zacharyasz said.

Joseph A Gambino Prosecutor's Award

Detective Steve Borowske investigated the theft of nearly $50,000 worth of jewelry in 2012, leading to the charges against four suspects for grand theft.

The suspects were involved in similar thefts in Ohio and other states, and by investigating the complicated case, he helped clear those cases as well.

"No matter what the incident, Detective Borowske pursues each case with the same dedication and commitment," Zacharyasz said.

Professionalism Award

Victim Advocate Cindy Vanderwyst has guided victims through stressful times for more than 12 years. 

Vanderwyst, who also is the coordinator for the Community Diversion Program and is the department's liaison to the Prosecutor's Office, has remained compassionate and professional and helped victims find the resources they need.

"Without her by my side, I would have been so much more terrified, lost and confused as to what to expect and how to teal with all this," one victim wrote. "Cindy doesn't just do her job; she has been there with me and really has gotten me through a horrible ordeal."