Classified Staff Distinguished Service Award (2008-2009)
Jimmie Spino
Officer- Police & Public Safety
On the evening of May 17, 2007, University Police Department Officer Jimmie Spino was on patrol when he saw a Kenosha County Sheriff's squad car in pursuit of a vehilce near campus. Withoout hesitation, Officer Spino moved to assist the sheriff's deputy in the stop. As Spino left his squad shots rang out, and Deputy Frank Fabiano Jr., fell to the ground. Disregarding his personal safety, Officer Spino ran forward to the fallen deputy while returning the gunman's fire. The suspect fled and was later captured. Officer Spino called for help for Deputy Fabiano and stayed him until paramedics arrived. Deputy Fabiano's injuries proved fatal. Officer Spino later testified in open court and the suspect was convicted, receiving the maximum sentence. "When a police thinks about another officer they would want backing them up on a call." said UW-Parkside Interim Police Chief James Heller, "Officer Spino is at the top of that list."
