Anoka County sheriff's deputy and St. Paul officer recognized by MN Police Association after shooting – Twin Cities

Minnesota's largest police association has chosen an Anoka County sheriff's deputy as its officer of the year for helping a South Dakota state trooper who was shot while on vacation.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association will formally honor Deputy Tanner Shipman at its annual convention Saturday.

The association announced Thursday that two St. Paul police sergeants will receive honorable mention for 2024 Officers of the Year.

Sgt. Jason Giampolo, an 18-year St. Paul officer, is being recognized for his work over the past eight years as an investigator with the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The association also recognizes St. Paul Police Sgt. Cody Blanshan for an incident that occurred in December 2022. While officers were searching for domestic assault suspect Howard Peter Holliday Johnson, Blanshan witnessed Johnson attempt to carjack a passerby.

Blanshan hit Johnson with his police car, trying to get him arrested, and Johnson shot him and his police partner, authorities said. The sergeant returned fire and Johnson died. Prosecutors determined that Blanshan's actions were legally justified.

“The innocent carjacking victim, the first victim of the domestic assault, and her children, are all safe thanks to Sgt. Blanshan responded quickly and heroically,” said Brian Peters, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

Shipman, the officer of the year, stopped at a convenience store while on vacation in Sturgis, SD, in August. He saw a man shoot a South Dakota soldier and try to flee into the soldier's squad.

Shipman quickly grabbed his sister-in-law's handgun and ran toward the trooper to help him. The officer and Shipman shot the suspect and the man surrendered his gun. The man recently pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise recognized Shipman's “courage, selfless service, concern for others, quick decision-making and commitment to justice.” He has been an Anoka County Sheriff's Deputy for 18 years.