Awardees and Chief Haubert at Awards Banquet. (pictured left to right: Samantha Spitz, Matthew Metzler, Senior Police Officer Evan King, Senior Police Officer Koltin Fatzinger, Senior Police Officer Tony Stroup, Chief Norm Haubert)
Date: 11/28/2025
Employees of the Westminster Police Department are expected to perform their duties in a professional and efficient manner. Every year, WPD recognizes select employees who will greatly exceed this expected level of performance either in one act or a sustained level of exemplary performance over an extended period of time. The individuals below were recognized in 2025.
Citizen Commendation Award – Matthew Metzler
Recognizes outstanding efforts of a citizen in assisting the Westminster Police Department in the performance of duties, who show strong community commitment, exhibit an outstanding act of individual bravery, or in some substantial way assist the Westminster Police Department in achieving the goals of delivering quality customer service.
In August 2025, Matthew Metzler demonstrated extraordinary courage and decisive action during a violent and chaotic incident involving an attempted murder suspect. Without hesitation, Matthew ran towards danger to protect his neighbors and other bystanders. Matthew intervened to assist in apprehending the suspect. Matthew’s courageous and selfless actions directly contributed to the apprehension of a dangerous individual who posed a severe and ongoing risk to the community. His decisive intervention and composure under pressure likely prevented further harm or loss of life. For his strong commitment to community safety and outstanding act of bravery, Matthew Metzler was awarded the Westminster Police Department Citizen Commendation Award.
Chief Haubert handing Matthew Metzler his award.
Professional Staff Outstanding Service Award – Samantha Spitz
Awarded to one or more Westminster Police Department Professional Staff member(s) who through their actions, have contributed significantly and consistently to the successful operation of the department in their daily job function through Service, People, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork (S.P.I.R.I.T). This award recognizes Professional Staff who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to duty, quality service delivery, enhanced productivity, improvements to systems and procedures, relationship building, or regularly contributes to the organization at a very high level in support of the overall mission of the Westminster Police Department.
Serving as the department's Public Affairs Coordinator, Samantha Spitz is responsible for managing the public information functions and strengthening transparency for the Westminster Police Department. Since stepping into the role in 2024, her creativity and professionalism shine through her digital media skills, videos, news releases and more. She has set a new standard for showcasing the efforts of officers and staff while keeping the community informed. Her contributions strengthen both the department's external image and internal morale, making her an invaluable asset to the Westminster Police Department. For her adaptability, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the department and the community, Samantha Spitz was awarded the Westminster Police Department Professional Staff Outstanding Service Award.
Samantha Spitz holding her award with Chief Haubert.
Meritorious Service Award – Senior Police Officer Evan King
May be awarded to a department member for (1) an act involving operational risk in which extraordinary efforts were used, or (2) an act that directly results in the saving of a life, or (3) an attempted life-saving act during which extraordinary efforts were used and personal risk to the department member was involved, or (4) demonstrates de-escalation techniques while practicing good tactics and using extraordinary and personal risk to the department member involved, or (5) an act performed or condition maintained that exemplifies significant achievement.
In June 2025, Senior Police Officer Evan King responded to an incident and applied a tourniquet to a man who had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The man was rushed to the hospital and survived the injury. Due to Officer King's quick actions and effectively applying the tourniquet, medical personnel stated they believed Officer King saved the man’s life. For his professionalism and quick thinking that saved a life, Senior Police Officer Evan King was awarded the Meritorious Service Award.
Chief Haubert placing medal on Senior Police Officer Evan King.
Distinguished Service Award – Senior Police Officer Anthony Stroup and Senior Police Officer Koltin Fatzinger
To be awarded for an act which involved significant risk to any department member and is performed with distinguished duty.
In June 2024, K9 Officers Anthony Stroup and Koltin Fatzinger assisted a nearby agency with a barricaded suspect incident using K9 assets. The suspect was eventually taken into custody, but K9 Rudy sustained an injury during the operation. Officer Stroup and Officer Fatzinger quickly acted, transporting K9 Rudy to the veterinarian for medical treatment. K9 Rudy made a full recovery and returned to duty. For their bravery and heroic actions that led to the apprehension of a dangerous suspect, Senior Police Officer Anthony Stroup and Senior Police Officer Koltin Fatzinger were awarded the Westminster Police Distinguished Service Award.
Senior Police Officers Koltin Fatzinger and Anthony Stroup saluting Chief Haubert.