“Evansville District “Trooper of the District / DUI Award and Combat Action Awardâ€Â
Evansville – The Indiana State Police held their annual awards ceremony today to recognize Troopers and State Police civilian employees throughout the state for various accomplishments and awards. ISP employees were recognized for their service, bravery, and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana.
HURLEY – Through his hard work and dedication to public service, Trooper Tanner Hurley has been selected as the “2021 Trooper of the District†by the Command Staff from the Evansville Post. The factors used to determine the “Trooper of the District†included, but were not limited to, traffic, criminal enforcement, community involvement, and special assignments such as background investigation, TIP, SCUBA, ERT, meth lab team, Instructor ratings, and other services performed for the department that goes beyond normal expectations.
 Pictured above are from left to right: Sergeant Russell Werkmeister, Lieutenant Brian Bailey, Trooper Daltyn Backes, Trooper Tanner Hurley, and Sergeant William Gadberry.
Throughout the year, Trooper Hurley issued 592 citations and 776 warnings. Trooper Hurley arrested 105 criminal defendants on 146 criminal charges. Trooper Hurley investigated 9 vehicle crashes and logged 49 police services. He consistently keeps his commission and uniform in inspection condition and works hard throughout his shift. Trooper Hurley completed ICAC training and conducted several investigations in this area.  Trooper Hurley is a background investigator and participated in multiple PIO programs. Trooper Hurley participated in several shops with cop programs and youth camps. Trooper Hurley is also a member of the Indiana State Police Honor Guard where he attended training and several details.
Trooper Hurley also was awarded the “2021 Evansville District DUI Awardâ€. Trooper Hurley arrested 34 impaired drivers in the 2021 year. This effort obviously assisted in saving lives and reducing the number of crashes.
Trooper Hurley is a graduate of the 78th Indiana State Police Academy. Trooper Hurley is married, has 1 child, and lives in Vincennes Indiana.
BACKES – Trooper Daltyn Backes received the Combat Action Award for his quick action, effort, and professionalism on October 19, 2021. Trooper Backes was off duty when a female knocked on the door at his residence. The female advised Trooper Backes that a murder had occurred down the street and a female was kidnapped by the individuals responsible. Trooper Backes advised dispatch of the situation and called for other units to assist him. Trooper Backes donned his protective vest and firearms. Trooper Backes was advised of the location of the incident and walked to the residence. Trooper Backes waited for Vanderburgh County Deputies and Evansville Police to arrive. Officers ordered individuals out of the residence. The individuals were placed into custody. Trooper Backes observed a male subject standing inside the open doorway. The male picked up an object off the floor that appeared to be a firearm. The male subject charged out of the doorway with his arms extended pointing the object at the officers. Trooper Backes and other officers fired their weapons at the male stopping the threat. It was later found that the deceased male inside the residence was tortured and beaten with a hammer. Trooper Backes was without most of his equipment. Trooper Backes showed bravery and quick thinking, even advising other agencies of him being in plain clothes. Trooper Backes saved lives by stopping a threat of violence.
Trooper Backes is a graduate of the 77th Indiana State Police Academy. Trooper Backes is married and lives in Evansville Indiana.
