Two Detectives of the Year lead list of St. Paul police awards

In 2008, St. Paul police Sgt. William Haider received a complaint from a woman in England that sounded too bizarre to be true.

"It was a bit unbelievable," Haider said. "It was like a movie plot."

But he took her seriously after Scotland Yard and others dismissed her concerns. Soon, he was on the trail of a Minnesota nurse, a man who was posing as a woman in online chat rooms and encouraging people to commit suicide.

Haider was named Detective of the Year on Tuesday for his work on the case, which resulted in the conviction of William Melchert-Dinkel last year in the suicides of a man in England and a woman in Canada.

Police Chief Thomas Smith credited Haider with obtaining an admission of guilt from Melchert-Dinkel, 49, of Faribault.

"He's recognized nationally, and probably internationally," Smith said of Haider.

Haider has worked on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force since 2003.

In a first, the award also was given to a second person, Sgt. Paul Meffert, who died of cancer over the weekend. Meffert was recognized for his work against domestic violence and violent crime. He played a key role in developing relationships with advocates and organizations working with victims, Smith said.

"He truly believed that every victim ... was worth fighting for," Smith said.

Meffert's three children accepted the award to a standing ovation.

"I know my dad was very proud to be a St. Paul police officer," said his daughter, Katyana Miller.

Other award recipients:

• Sgt. Eric Vang-Sitcler was a finalist for Officer of the Year for his work with violent crimes and gangs.

• Julia Rust was named Civilian Employee of the Year. The executive assistant to the chief, Rust has been with the department more than 30 years. She retires this year.

"When my wife wants to do something with me, she has to contact Julia" to schedule an appointment, Smith joked.

Rust plays a key role in juggling the chief's daily schedule and organizing events and projects, such as collecting toys and treats for military dogs abroad.

"I'm honored by your kind words," Rust said.