From left are Sgt. Zachariah Ruble, Trooper Clayton Saltzman, Trooper Austin Straub and Lt. Paul Adams with the Indiana State Police.
ISP photo
The Indiana State Police recently held its annual awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of employees.
Troopers were recognized for their service, dedication and bravery to the department and citizens of Indiana. Two troopers from the Versailles Post were honored with awards at the ceremony.
Trooper Austin Straub was honored as the 2022 Trooper of the District for the Versailles Post. He is a three-year veteran of ISP who is assigned to Zone 1, primarily patrolling Jackson and Bartholomew counties.
Straub’s performance and achievements in 2022 made him worthy of this award. Last year, he had more than 1,300 traffic contacts (tickets and warnings), 155 criminal arrests and 14 driving under the influence arrests and investigated 25 crashes. He also works closely with officers from nearby police departments and regularly assists them with calls for service.
Due to his achievements last year, the command staff from the Versailles Post determined Straub was most deserving of this award.
“Trooper Straub is a well-rounded trooper who is motivated and dedicated to completing the mission of the Indiana State Police,” ISP Versailles District Commander Lt. Paul Adams said. “He is well respected in the community by the citizens he serves and is determined to make a difference. He is very deserving to be the 2022 Trooper of the District.”
Trooper Clayton Saltzman was honored with a Life Saving Award. On Aug. 25, 2022, he responded to a motorcycle crash on southbound Interstate 65 near the 52 mile marker north of Seymour. Upon arriving on the scene, he observed a male who was seriously injured. The injured man had suffered traumatic injuries to both arms and was bleeding profusely. Saltzman applied tourniquets to both arms to stop the bleeding.
The man was flown to University of Louisville Trauma Center, where doctors were quick to let investigators know the quick actions of Saltzman clearly saved the man’s life.
“We honor Trooper Saltzman for his quick actions that resulted in a life being saved,” Adams said. “He remained calm under extremely stressful circumstances and relied on his training when seconds mattered. We appreciate Jackson County EMS, fire departments and other first responders for their quick response and their ability to provide additional care in getting the victim to a trauma center for further treatment.”