The man who solved the case of the beating and robbery of an 87-year-old man at the Collinsville Hardee’s in July has been named the 2013 Collinsville Police Officer of the Year.
Detective Mark Kuechle, who called the Hardee’s case the most rewarding he worked this year, won an award that Police Chief Eric Van Hook said is typically won by a patrol officer. “His dedication set him apart,” Van Hook said.
Photo courtesy of Collinsville Police Department
In Lt. Todd Link’s nomination letter, he cites Kuechle’s work with little more initial evidence than surveillance cameras to solve the high profile robberies this year at Hardee’s, Wal-Mart and Walgreens. “Kuechle, through his consistent dedication, has shown himself to be a conscientious, innovative, and proactive officer who works diligently to protect the lives and property of the citizens in Collinsville,” Link’s statement read.
In the Hardee’s case, the nomination letter indicated, Kuechle pieced together a description and partial license plate for the suspect’s vehicle by using video from several businesses. He was then able to identify Eric Ryan Manthei as the suspect and coordinate the search that led to Manthei’s arrest in a motel in Mt. Vernon.
Van Hook called Kuechle a valuable asset with a great ability to recall details from past cases. “He has played a role indirectly with cases solved at the patrol level with information he has provided,” Van Hook said.
One way Kuechle hones his detective skills is by working on the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. “Getting a chance to go and learn from investigators at other agencies is one of the best learning tools that we have,” Kuechle said.
He has also learned a great deal from others in the Collinsville Police Department. I pretty much have learned something from everyone in this department,” Kuechle said.
Kuechle earned the officer of the year award despite being a police officer for fewer than six years. After earning a Mass Communications degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Kuechle worked as a marketing director for the South City YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis.
His work as an evidence clerk while in college got Kuechle interested in law enforcement. When he was looking for a career change, he tested for the Collinsville Police Department, was accepted and sent to training. Kuechle began working for the CPD as a patrol officer in 2008. He became a detective in 2011.
Kuechle will be presented with the honor Saturday evening at the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Awards and Auction dinner.
