Buelte, Ernst Honored by Concord Police Department

CONCORD, NH - On Friday, April 8, 2016, the Concord Police Department held its annual awards ceremony to recognize officers and civilian employees for demonstrating extraordinary efforts in the performance of their duties.

Detective Robert Buelte received Police Officer of the Year in recognition of his high degree of motivation and dedication and commitment to service to the public.

Rob joined the Concord Police Department on January 27, 2002. Prior to being hired, he served with the UNH and Nottingham Police Departments. He was assigned to the Patrol Division until he became a Detective in the Youth Services Unit in February, 2011.

Rob is recognized as an exceptional investigator with a very diverse skill set who is a self-starter, has a high level of motivation, positive attitude and dependability. The past year has seen the results of his tenacious work ethic and investigative skills with the resolution of two cold cases from 2014 which resulted in the arrest of suspects in both cases. One suspect has been sentenced to 20-40 years in prison.

In addition, he has consistently shown his commitment to his fellow DRE specialists as an instructor and mentor, as well as to the overall development of the CPD team in DWI identification and apprehension. Even though he carries one of the heaviest caseloads in YSU, he assists the Patrol Division with drug and alcohol impaired drivers and other associated criminal investigations.

During his career he has obtained the specialties of Field Training Officer, Intoxilyzer Operator, Drug Recognition Expert and Evidence Technician. Rob also volunteers his time as a member of the Concord Police Benevolent Association Board of Directors.

Among the awards he has received in acknowledgement of his work are: three Commendation Bars for Lifesaving, a Commendation Bar for Distinguished Unit Action, four “Looking Beyond the Traffic Ticket” awards, a NH Congressional Law Enforcement Award, a Certificate of Merit for Community Policing, twelve Letters of Commendation, and several letters from citizens and agencies commending his work on their behalf.

Dispatcher Greta Ernst received Civilian Employee of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary efforts in the performance of her duties.

Greta joined the Department on August 16, 1981, and she currently serves as a Dispatcher in the Communications Unit.

Each year the Department responds to 56,000 to 60,000 calls for service. The vast majority of the calls originate in the Communications Unit, also known as “Dispatch.” In her position she is tasked with communicating with complainants on the phone, documenting their reasons for calling the police, dispatching the appropriate personnel to handle the complaint, and coordinating any necessary resources, all the while keeping officer and public safety in mind.

Greta is a veteran dispatcher whose 34 years of experience is an invaluable resource and benefit to the Department. Officers rely on her for her ability to display poise during high risk, high stress incidents and quickly identify officer safety intelligence and distribute it immediately to responding units.

Greta is known for being hardworking, conscientious, professional and always able to do what is needed to “get the job done.” She is willing to cover shifts when needed, take on projects and work toward improving efficiency and operations. In addition, Greta is active in the community and has come to know the names and faces of its members better than many officers.

Submitted by the Concord Police Department.