During the Business Meeting honoring the 2025 Police Officer of the Year Awards at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, POAM proudly honored five Jackson County officers whose valor and quick action helped stop an armed and dangerous suspect in November 2024.
Jackson County Officers Honored for Stopping Armed Suspect
Detective Mark Easter, Deputy Santos DeLaCruz, Deputy Thomas Brower, Deputy Katie Love, and Deputy Cameron Breining were each recognized for their extraordinary bravery and professionalism during a high-risk pursuit that put the lives of civilians and fellow officers in immediate danger.
On November 6, 2024, officers were called to assist in the apprehension of Jacob Hikes, a suspect wanted for shooting his brother in Lenawee County earlier that afternoon. Hikes, armed and fleeing in a maroon van, led officers through a high-speed chase across Jackson’s east side—opening fire on police within the first minute of pursuit and throwing pipe bombs from his vehicle. Several patrol cars and homes were struck by gunfire during the chase.
Deputy Breining’s Life-Saving Aid to Officer Down
Amid the pursuit, a Jackson City Police Sergeant was shot. Deputy Cameron Breining acted immediately, applying a tourniquet and transporting the wounded sergeant to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, likely saving his life.
The pursuit concluded after Hikes crashed his vehicle and engaged in a final exchange of gunfire. Detective Mark Easter took a tactical position and helped bring the situation under control. Once the suspect was down, Deputies Katie Love and Thomas Brower provided immediate medical aid, performing CPR after securing the scene. Deputy Santos DeLaCruz was critical in maintaining scene security and assisting with response efforts.
This year’s awards continue POAM’s proud tradition of honoring law enforcement officers across Michigan whose actions exemplify integrity, bravery, and commitment to public safety.