ASHLAND — Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell chose Ashland Police Department Sgt. Brian Kunzen as officer of the month for February.
Each month, the Prosecutor’s Office recognizes an outstanding law enforcement officer for
exceptional service, professionalism and dedication to justice.
Nominations are accepted from members of the criminal justice system as well as from the community, according to a press release.
Officers selected for this honor are awarded the Prosecutor’s Office’s “highly coveted ‘duck’ — a lighthearted but deeply prized symbol of excellence among local law enforcement,” according to the release.
Kunzen was nominated by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Laura Stanley, who highlighted his “outstanding assistance” in complex digital evidence cases.
“I would like to see Brian Kunzen recognized for his work. He has been extremely helpful to myself and Alissa (Investigator Schmidt) in the processing and collecting of cellphone evidence,” Stanley stated.
“He has taken additional time to help us locate evidence we are looking for, takes
calls/texts walking us through where to find things, and has been on ‘stand by’ when a defense attorney wanted to review a phone download,” Stanley wrote in her nomination.
“After the first data retrieval, he put in his report the names of the individuals where there were conversations with possible evidence. He also started adding ‘tags’ in the extraction report so that I could easily identify photo/video evidence. I greatly appreciate him,” Stanley said.
Kunzen’s technical expertise, responsiveness and commitment to ensuring thorough
and accurate evidence review have significantly supported the Prosecutor’s Office in
preparing cases and pursuing justice, the release reads.
“His willingness to go above and beyond exemplifies the professionalism and teamwork that strengthen our local criminal justice system,” Tunnell wrote in the release.
If you see Kunzen out and about, be sure to congratulate him on receiving his well-
earned fuck, Tunnell wrote.
Do you know an officer who is doing an outstanding job?
Submit your nomination by emailing Prosecutor Tunnell to recommend an officer for a future Officer of the Month award at ctunnell@ashlandcounty.org.
The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to partner with the dedicated men and
women of law enforcement who serve our community with integrity, skill and commitment, according to the report.