News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony this Friday, June 24, in Indianapolis.

The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and accomplishments that all too often go without proper recognition. Officers were recognized for their dedication, service, bravery and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana.

Trooper Luis Alvarez was recognized as the 2021 Trooper of District for the Toll Road Post. This award is given annually to a trooper at each district that personifies integrity, professionalism and a well-rounded work ethic. Alvarez was selected by his command staff for his dedication, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement and other services performed for the department beyond normal expectations. During 2021, Alvarez was responsible for 300 criminal arrests. His efforts also resulted in 25 arrests for drivers that were operating while intoxicated. Alvarez led his squad in every category of criminal enforcement.

Alavarez is a 3 ½ year veteran of the Indiana State Police. He patrols the Indiana Toll Road primarily in St. Joseph, Elkhart and LaGrange County.

Trooper Benjamin Beers received the District DUI Award for the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post. This award is presented to the top trooper in each district for outstanding efforts in removing intoxicated drivers from Indiana’s roadways. Beers’ efforts resulted in 126 arrests for drivers operating while intoxicated. His efforts topped all other troopers in Indiana. For this achievement, Beers also received a 2021 DUI Life Award-Top 5.

Beers has been a trooper for nearly 5 years. He patrols the Indiana Toll Road primarily in Lake and Porter County.