Sept. 13, 2026 11:15a
(WGTD)---Nearly a dozen law enforcement officers are expected to be honored by the Kenosha Police and Fire Commission Tuesday for their work in two separate cases.
Retired police lieutenant John Demario, detectives Timothy Cepress and Eric Kukowski and state Justice Dept. agent Neil McGrath are expected to receive a Medal of Merit for their work in solving a cold case.
In 1977, Kenosha autoworker Ralph Gianoli was strangled and beaten to death in his home. The case remained unsolved until advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy was applied. James Fowler who at the time was a 19 year-old recruit at the nearby Great lakes Naval Training Center was arrested earlier this year. The case against Fowler is currently listed as suspended due to a finding of incompetency.
Four others--all retired police officers--are expected to receive a letter of commendation. They are Todd Thorne, William Schmitz, James Huff and Mike Timme.
The other case involves a 14 year-old girl who was revived. Officers Kiara Lehman, Billy Wallace and Elija Phillips will receive a lifesaving award. The girl was neither conscious or breathing when the officers arrived at the scene.
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