(SELLERSBURG) – Recently, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter recognized two Sellersburg troopers for their dedicated service to the department and the state of Indiana, careers spanning more than 30 years.
Sergeant John Cleveland and Corporal Stephen Didat were both recognized and presented with a certificate of service recognition by district lieutenant Chris Keeton on behalf of the Superintendent at a ceremony held at the Sellersburg post.
Sgt. John Cleveland was recognized for 35 years of service. Sgt. Cleveland is a native of Clark County Indiana and is a 1973 graduate of Jeffersonville High School. John attended Indiana University before becoming a police officer for the Indiana University Police Department and later the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Cleveland graduated from the 41st Indiana State Police Recruit Academy in 1984 and was assigned initially to the Pendleton Post where he was quickly assigned to special investigations, working as an undercover officer. Sgt. Cleveland transferred and worked in the Bloomington district from 1987 to 1996 and was then assigned to the department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit where he worked until 2000. John Cleveland transferred to the Sellersburg district in 2000 where he continues to work. He was promoted to serve as a district squad sergeant in 2008. During his career with the state police, John has worn many hats including firearms instructor, SCUBA team member, Tactical Intervention team-member, and Field Training Officer. John currently resides in Madison, Indiana.
Corporal Stephen Didat was recognized for 30 years of service. Stephen Didat is a life-long resident of Floyd County, Indiana, and a 1976 graduate of Floyd Central High School. Stephen attended Indiana University Southeast before graduating from the 46th Indiana State Police recruit academy in 1988. Upon graduation, Cpl. Didat was assigned to the Sellersburg district where he has worked his entire career. While on the department, Stephen Didat has served as a state certified firearms instructor, emergency vehicle operations instructor, and speed timing device instructor as well as a field training officer and member of the tactical intervention platoon. Stephen was assigned to the Problem Oriented Policing Unit from 1996 to 2004 when he was promoted to Corporal. Stephen continues to serve as the Sellersburg post corporal and resides in Floyds Knobs with Louisa, his wife of 28 years.
