O’Fallon Police Honored for Service On and Off Duty

When Officer Ryan Van Wave was called to the scene of an accident at the intersection of Highway K and Laura Hill Road last March, he didn’t just see a burning vehicle when he arrived, he saw a man in need of help.

Van Wave said the young man had a seizure and lost control of his car, which went airborne before crashing into a parking lot and catching fire. When Van Wave arrived on the scene, he saw a six-foot flame coming out of the vehicle and quickly sprung into action.

“I ran down the hill and the back hatch was partially ajar, so we pushed it open,” Van Wave said.

After moving the speaker box out of the way Van Wave asked the man to grab his arm, but he was unresponsive.

So, wasting no time, Van Wave crawled inside and pulled the driver out the window before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.

“I wasn’t really thinking, it was more of a reaction,” he said.

A reaction that helped save a young man’s life and earn Van Wave the title of VFW Officer of the year and a VFW Life Saving Award.

“It’s an outstanding honor. A lot of sergeants and higher ups have received the award in the past, so that’s some big shoes to fill,” said Van Wave, who has been with the for five years. “There are unexpected moments in this line of work, but it’s definitely rewarding.”

commended Van Wave for his dedication to law enforcement.

“Here’s a car that was completely on fire and he climbed in without a thought to his own well-being,” he said.

Van Wave also serves as a , assisting citizens in emotional distress and is a crime scene technician. He was also awarded a Letter of Commendation from the chief.

“He was nominated for his demeanor, and personality—he’s one of those human beings who get’s along with everyone,” Joachimstaler said.

O’Fallon Sgt. Steven Landsness was also honored by VFW Post 5077  with a VFW Life Saving Award and A VFW National Law Enforcement Award.

Landsness was off-duty and walking on a trail in Florissant last October, when he heard a woman screaming for help as she struggled against the Missouri River current.

Chief Joachimstaler said Landsness jumped into the water, swam 75 feet and pulled the woman onto shore.

“I don’t think that it was really anything anyone else wouldn’t have done,” Landsness said as he accepted his Meritorious Service Award at the  meeting last week.

Landsness was also honored with a proclamation from the City of Florissant.

Chief Joachimstaler said the entire department is proud of Van Wave and Landsness, because they represent what being a police officer and service is all about.

“Police officers don’t want the title of heroes tagged on them because there’s a lot of pressure that goes with that, but they do want the title of good cop,” Joachimstaler said. “Both of these officers, because of their consistent work habits, attitudes and dedication—make good cops.”

 Other recent honors:

• Officers Patrick Helton and Scott Weeke recently received recognition at a city council meeting for their efforts to save a man who drove his vehicle off of Highway 79 and into a creek.
•  Officers Nick Johnson, Larry Bunt and Chris Sinnokrak were recognized at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Banquit in November, for their work in enforcing driving under the influence laws.