In Memoriam

November 30, 1958 - July 13, 2009

Don't grieve for me now.  I'm free.  I found peace at the close of day.  If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joys.  A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Wendy was an important member of the IZON Investigation's team since its formation on April 1, 2007.  She had a vibrant personality, was an excellent investigator and will be missed by all who knew her.

Steve Cwalinski began his career in Law Enforcement in 1987 with the Billings, MT police department.  He attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, served as a patrol officer responding to calls, completed investigation related to the calls and  investigated major crimes requiring the use of interview skills, crime scene and evidence management, and detailed reporting. 

In 1990 he was assigned to the Billings Police Department’s first gang task force receiving advanced training in gang and hate group investigations. He participated in complex multi-state investigations on gang related crimes, which included violent crimes, drugs, prostitution, property crimes, and firearms violations. His duties were to investigate gang crimes and other criminal organizations with an emphasis on narcotics.  

A short time later, Steve was assigned to the DEA as a deputized task force agent. His duties included investigating narcotics cases to federal standards with continued emphasis on gangs.  In 1996, Steve became an agent for the Montana Department of Justice assigned to the Narcotics Investigation Bureau continuing his assignment with Drug Enforcement Agency as well. 

In 2003, he transferred laterally to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, graduating from the LVMPD academy and was assigned to the patrol division.  In 2007 he retired from law enforcement to explore a career in the private sector.

Michael Berry attended North Hennepin Community College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and received an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement.  He served two years in the United States Army as a Military Policeman, serving at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and West Point, New York.

Michael began his civilian career in Law Enforcement in 1973 as a Deputy Sheriff with the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He attended the Minnesota BCA Police Academy.  He served in the Patrol Division as a Deputy and Deputy Sergeant Supervisor.  He served as an accident reconstruction investigator, and participated in all aspects of patrol duties, including work with the Secret Service for high profile dignitary protection and motorcades.  In 1998, he was promoted to Lieutenant and transferred to the Sheriffs Office Background Investigations Unit.  This was an administration confidential position and assignments included background investigations for new employees and interdepartmental investigations.  In 1999, he was promoted to Captain as a division commander of Court Security in the Hennepin County Government Center.  He retired from the Sheriffs Office in 2001 after 27 years of service.

In 2002, he worked as a Federal Court Security Officer at the Minneapolis, United States Federal Court House for the United States Marshal's Office providing federal building and federal court room security.

In 2003, he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, and in 2006 started working for casinos as a Security Officer.  He advanced to the position of Security shift manager.  This work included casino investigations and the enforcement of Nevada law and gaming regulations.