Two Platte City officiers honored for police workTwo Platte City Police officers were recognized for their service and efforts by the city’s board of aldermen on Tuesday evening.
Officer Elizabeth A. Lewark and Officer Walter Nichols were awarded certificates of commendation by Chief of Police Joseph McHale following an incident on Sunday, Oct. 10. According to the commendation, Lewark was having breakfast with her family at the Country Cookin’ Cafe in Platte City when a white female entered the restaurant. She recognized the female as a resident of Platte City who was under investigation by federal authorities for narcotics trafficking.
In recent months, Lewark had communicated with Florida investigators for felony theft and narcotics activity between Orange County and Platte City. The woman, a past felon, had been known for being potentially violent in her dealings with narcotics officers and law enforcement.
Lewark recognized the potential danger in attempting to apprehend a felon without assistance. She called the Platte County Dispatcher and requested back-up from Officer Walter Nichols who was on-duty at the time. Lewark requested that Nichols wait until the female exited the restaurant as she was driving on a suspended operator’s license.
When the female left the restaurant and exited the parking lot to 92 Highway, the officers conducted a felony car stop away from public view and harm and took the female into custody without incident.
“As a result of these two officers attention to duty, a dangerous felon who was wanted in Florida and by the federal authorities was arrested and taken into custody without incident,” said McHale.
“In recognition of their performance, I recommend that Officer Elizabeth A. Lewark and Officer Walter E. Nichols be awarded the Platte City Police Department’s Certificate of Commendation for police service.”
In addition to Nichols’ Certificate of Commendation, he also received a Meritorious Service Award. In the last two years, Nichols has performed tasks for the Platte City Police Department that are “of a service and cost savings to the City of Platte City.”
On his own time in 2002, Nichols constructed a front counter in the lobby of the police department, which saved the department approximately $3,000. McHale also noted that Nichols paints and repairs items in the police department without being asked.
“He performs these functions as a commitment and not for praise or recognition,” said McHale.
“Officer Nichols does the extra for the police department. He uses skills learned in civilian life to repair the radio system and the police vehicle’s emergency systems. It is the small repairs that save money and keep the equipment operating,” stated McHale. “He is a willing worker who does his best for the good of the agency and his fellow employees.”
McHale added, “Officer Nichols is a dedicated member of this police department. I am dependent upon him for repair advice as I do not have the experience or aptitude to make these assessments. I am very fortunate to have him on the police department as he is a positive and reliable employee.”

