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Patrolman First Class John Wolf recently was named the Wheeling Police Departments Officer of the Year for 2023.
Described as an "old soul in a young body" by Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger, the 27-year-old officer's care and dedication to the service earned him recognition from higher-ups on the force.
Though Wolf is relatively new to the WPD with only four years of service under his belt, Schwertfeger described the officer as being "a superstar since day one."
"I'm clearly very proud of him," said Schwertfeger. "He represents the Wheeling Police Department and all of our core values. He recognizes our mission statement and works very hard everyday to accomplish that."
The award is voted on by the six divisions of the Wheeling Police Department and their representatives, which include the command staff, deputy chiefs, shift commanders and patrol commanders of the WPD.
Since the police department is "like a family" to Wolf, the recognition was appreciated.
"Getting the award after four years here is awesome," described Wolf. "I'm one of those people where I won't tell you I deserve that or anything, but I really appreciate it."
Though Schwartfeger identified Wolf as more of an old soul, the officer has excelled in his work in more "new school" policing techniques, particularly as a member of the Crisis Intervention Team.
"Crisis intervention is definitely a newer-school technique, but I share a lot of the old-school values when it applies to situations of right and wrong," noted Wolf. "I guess I also just get along with a lot more older people."
Members of the CIT de-escalate and negotiate situations with individuals suffering from mental health crises. Wolf explained that the majority of his work with the team is "just talking to people," which he has always had a knack for.
Wolf explained he enjoys working with people to get them through their situations, which is one of the reasons why he joined the team.
"I enjoy trying to get people more help instead of sending more people to jail for drug abuse and other issues," added Wolf.
Schwertfeger noted that Wolf has become one of the lead "go-tos" on the CIT and is also an instructor who trains officers to become CIT-certified. Wolf's work with the CIT was one of the main motivators for his nomination for the award, according to Schwartfeger, with the discussion before voting centering on his skill set with the team.
While watching Wolf's body camera footage during his interactions with individuals on the job as a CIT officer, Schwertfeger described "being amazed." He added Wolf was "a class act."
"I couldn't ask for anybody better to be out here policing the streets of our community," added Schwertfeger.
Apart from working with individuals in mental health crises, engaging with the community is Wolf's favorite part of the job. As a Martins Ferry native, he has enjoyed getting to know and spending time with city residents.
"I work downtown often so I get to see and deal with just about everybody," added Wolf. "I get to deal with all facets of people, which is all a part of law enforcement."
Schwertfeger has also received feedback from citizens who approach the chief to compliment Wolf specifically.
"It's always nice to hear how loved he is by the community he serves," described the chief. "I can see what they're describing, as he's a quality police officer and young man. His family clearly made a very successful impact on him growing up because he's a quality individual all the way around."