Knights Of Columbus Honor Strongsville Cop, Firefighter, Dispatcher

STRONGSVILLE, OH — The Strongsville Knights of Columbus honored the 2017 police officer, firefighter, and dispatchers of the year. The recipients received plaques at the June 5 Strongsville City Council meeting.

The police officer of the year is Patorlman Jeffrey Steving. Since 2007, Steving has led the department in OVI arrests annually. He has been recognized by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving and is the department's only drug recognition expert, the city says.

The firefighter of the year is Lieutenant Charles Zerman. Zerman has received several commendations for his efforts at emergency scenes and has been called a "gifted leader" by Fire Chief Jack Draves. Zerman is a SWAT team medic.

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This year, the Knights named two dispatchers of the year. Both Rebecca Naymik and Jodi Fyffe were honored for their work.

Naymik is a trainer for other dispatchers and was recognized for her "general leadership and willingness to pitch in." Fyffe handled a call in 2016 during which a man reportedly said he wanted to commit suicide by cop.

Fyffe opened up a dialogue with the man and eventually convinced him to drop his weapon and surrender to police. She very likely saved the man's life.

You can read more about the honorees on the city's website.

Photo from City of Strongsville