Awards & Letters
Laurie Bisch Wins Prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars Award
Laurie Bisch, Friend Of Animals
Ask the Neighbors…Then Solve the Problem
In 1998, neighborhoods around LV Blvd. North, Maryland Pkwy, Bonanza Road and Owens Avenue were fed up with the crime, drugs and prostitution that has plagued the area for years. Assigned to the neighborhood, Officer Laurie Bisch spent time talking with neighbors and finding problem areas that concerned the residents. With residents and officers, projects were developed to help the neighborhood including working with neighborhood children. One neighborhood resident wrote of Laurie Bisch, “I would like to commend you for showing area residents that we do have fine, hardworking and upstanding police officers who care a great deal about the citizen.”
So….How was your day?
Southern Nevada’s first-responders live with unconventional hours in unpredictable and dangerous circumstances. Laurie Bisch’s career is no exception. From apprehending auto store robbers and car thieves in late 1995 to nabbing a suspected bank robber at the beginning of 1996; Laurie’s tireless service to our community has been commended time and again.
Leadership in Public Service
Excellent public service is in large part about filling gaps when leadership is needed. IN 2006, A Metro training squad was without its very able Sergeant who was away. Laurie Bisch assumed command of the squad maintaining smooth and professional operations until the return of the squad’s leader.
Helping Needy Las Vegas Families
During the holiday season, Officer Laurie Bisch volunteered her time delivering turkey baskets and food to numerous needy families during the Thanksgiving Holiday. She also participated in “Operation Make a Difference” which delivers Christmas gifts to deserving families throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Creative Help for Metro’s Bike Squads
In Las Vegas’ Meadows Village, bicycle patrol officers found themselves pursuing suspects frequently over difficult roads filled with holes and ditches. Area officers knew that small motorcycles would boost the bike squad’s ability to catch felons trying to get away. Enter Laurie Bisch, who volunteered to assist in getting the bikes with limited resources. She tried several motorcycle dealerships that had police loan programs without finding the right type of motorcycle. She persevered and found two Kawasaki 200s – exactly what officers needed, and fleeing criminals feared. The dealership loaned the motorcycles to Metro and were used in making Meadows Village a safer place to live and work.
Shots Fired, Car Stolen…Suspects in Custody
In 2001, a citizen was shot three times during a robbery and car-jacking at a local ATM. Officer Laurie Bisch arrived at the hospital and took over the investigation. With enough information and a call from a friend of the victim, Laurie Bisch took the initiative and tracked the suspects to a home in North Las Vegas. Her efforts resulted in the apprehension of two dangerous criminals and returning the victim’s property.
Community Service – One Neighbor at a Time
In 1998, Officer Laurie Bisch was dispatched to the home of a senior citizen, Ms. June Cook. Concerned for her welfare, Laurie left her cell number and urged her to call her if she needed any assistance. Six months later, Laurie Bisch received a call from a neighbor worried that she had not seen Ms. Cook in a few days. Laurie visited the home and found Ms. Cook laying on the floor where she had fallen three days earlier. Laurie Bisch’s caring action surely saved the life of Ms. Cook.
Shop With A Cop: Helping Less-Fortunate Families
Every year, Metro employees and community friends open their hearts and wallets during the holiday season to brighten the season for many children who would otherwise go without. Laurie Bisch’s work with Metro’s Shop With a Cop event earned her the Department’s Certificate of Community Service.
Catching a Murder Suspect and Weapon
Sometimes what’s needed to solve a problem is talking with neighbors and a little hands on experience and investigation. In 2006, Laurie Bisch responded to a homicide. With the area secured, she canvassed the area using her experience to predict which way the suspect could have fled. Talking with a helpful citizen who was concerned about the neighborhood, Laurie Bisch found the suspect. Calm and collected, she was able to get the suspect to direct her to the firearm used in the murder. Her communication and investigative skills earned her South Central Area Command’s Job Well Done Award.
Battling Robberies
While police manpower has not kept pace with our city’s growth, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in robberies. Laurie Bisch and fellow officers have risen to the challenge. For her efforts, she was awarded South Central Area Command’s Job Well Done Award.
Supporting Metro’s Junior Academy
In Downtown Las Vegas, children of Metro’s employees participate in Metro’s Junior Academy – a day long event where boys and girls visit and learn about many units of our police department; including communications, SWAT, K9, Air Support and the Detention Center – and a little fun at Ultra Zone playing laser tag!
Police officers and employees work unconventional hours under dangerous conditions. The Junior Academy allows Metro’s team to share wonderful memories with the children often missing their parents who are out serving the community. Laurie Bisch devotes her time and talents to making the event a success. For her service, she was presented with an official Letter of Appreciation by Clark County Sheriff Jerry Keller.
National Night Out
National Night Out is a going away party for crime and drugs. Educating the public on crime prevention and introducing citizens to the officers who work in the neighborhood, the program is a huge success thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers that work tirelessly to make our police a partner with the community. Laurie Bisch has donated and volunteered for the Downtown Area Command’s National Night Out. For her work, she earned Metro’s Certificate of Appreciation.
Covert Patrols Tackle Downtown Drug Dealers
March 21, 1998 – Officer Laurie Bisch with the Downtown Area Command’s most senior patrol squad begin a series of covert patrols. Their task: find and arrest the street criminals responsible for an explosion of drug sales throughout the downtown area. The extremely dangerous operation tackling unpredictable street dealers resulted in dozens of arrests and convictions. Laurie Bisch and the squad ran the patrols from undercover purchase to immediate arrest. For her service, Laurie Bisch received the Commendable Action citation from Sheriff Jerry Keller.
A Neighbor in Need
February 22, 1998 – The home of 78 year old Las Vegan Bill Taylor had been overtaken and nearly destroyed by vagrants and street criminals. Officer Laurie Bisch began the task of cleaning and repairing Mr. Taylor’s home on her own time. Local businesses joined in and Mr. Taylor’s home was saved in 33 days when City Inspectors declared the home safe. For helping a citizen in need, Laurie Bisch was presented with Metro’s community Service Award.
Hostage Rescue!
March 4, 1999 – Two suspects armed with semi-automatic weapons take six employees hostage at a Las Vegas business. Arriving officers set up a perimeter and a ten hour response from Officer Laurie Bisch and all department members ended in the hostages being released and the suspects in custody. For her service, Laurie Bisch was awarded the Unit Meritorious Service Award.
Volunteering at Bishop Gorman High School
Police officer Standards & Training Certificate
High Sierra Law Enforcement Academy
Responsible Journalism In Politics
Read the full article at the Las Vegas Sun
