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Each May, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office conducts its annual department inspection. During this long-standing tradition, employees report with their uniforms, vehicles, and issued equipment, prepared to inspection-level standards. The inspection serves as an opportunity to demonstrate the pride the staff takes in maintaining the equipment entrusted to them, while also reflecting the professionalism and discipline expected throughout the agency.
In addition to the inspection itself, the event allows the department to recognize the outstanding work, dedication, and accomplishments of personnel over the past year through a variety of departmental awards and commendations.
Carl A. Koontz Deputy of the Year Award
This award is one of the most prestigious recognitions a deputy can receive within the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Unlike many awards that are based on statistics or productivity, this recognition is earned through peer nomination and an administrative review process designed to identify a deputy who exemplifies the core values of the profession. Recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional leadership, professionalism, integrity, community service, and dedication to the citizens of Howard County.
This award is named in honor of Deputy Carl A. Koontz #34-76, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on March 20, 2016. Deputy Koontz embodied the principles of Honor, Service, Commitment, and Dedication, and his legacy continues to guide the members of this agency each day.
This year’s recipient is Deputy Jason Neal #34-104
Corrections Officer of the Year Award
This award recognizes a correctional officer who consistently demonstrates professionalism, dependability, leadership, and dedication to the mission of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. The recipient exemplifies the highest standards of service, integrity, and commitment within the Corrections Division.
This year’s recipient is Corrections Officer Zachary Bentley
Dispatcher of the Year Award
This award recognizes a dispatcher who consistently demonstrates professionalism, dependability, leadership, and exceptional service throughout the year. The recipient exemplifies the critical role communications personnel play in supporting deputies, coordinating emergency response efforts, and serving the citizens of Howard County with excellence.
This year’s recipient is Dispatcher Hannah Rumsey
SERT Officer of the Year Award
This award is presented to a member of the Special Emergency Response Team who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to training, operational readiness, teamwork, and tactical performance throughout the year. The recipient has distinguished themselves through reliability, professionalism, and commitment to the team’s mission.
This year’s recipient is Corrections Sergeant Brian Jameson
Lifesaving Award
This award recognizes personnel whose actions directly contributed to saving or preserving a human life. Recipients demonstrated decisive action, professionalism, composure under pressure, and a commitment to serving others during critical incidents.
This year’s recipients are Deputy Artemio Cardenas #34-100, Deputy Jason Neal #34-104, Sergeant Michael Hamilton #34-78, Deputy Keegan Pyke #34-92, Deputy Kenny Parson #34-95, Deputy Chris Sanders #34-99, Corrections Officer Jeffrey Blanton, Dispatch Corporal Abbi Bock, Dispatcher Brandon Fisher, and Corrections Officer Nolan Kelly
Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to personnel who consistently demonstrate professionalism, leadership, initiative, and exceptional performance in the execution of their duties. Recipients represent the highest standards of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office through their dedication to service and commitment to the community.
This year’s recipients are Sergeant Michael Hamilton #34-78, Deputy Ezekiel Zimmerman #34-81, Deputy Kody Detamore #34-86, and Dispatch Corporal Abbi Bock
Letter of Commendation
This award is presented to personnel who demonstrated exemplary conduct, leadership, initiative, or performance during a specific incident or over an extended period of time. Recipients have distinguished themselves through professionalism, teamwork, sound decision-making, and actions that reflect positively upon the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens they serve.
This year’s recipients are Dispatcher Katrina Atie, Dispatcher Trenton Casler, Dispatcher Shane Coster, Dispatcher Aimee Day, Corrections Corporal Leann Devine, Dispatcher Brandon Fisher, Dispatch Sergeant Blake Mendenhall, Dispatch Corporal Tanya Paquet, Dispatcher Kim Silcox, Civil Process Server Micha Thomas, Corrections Officer Zaria Tyler, and Dispatcher Kaylee Wilson
Certificate of Collaboration
This award recognizes an individual or partnering agency that has demonstrated exceptional cooperation, teamwork, and dedication in support of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Recipients of this award consistently work beyond the boundaries of their own agency or assignment to promote officer safety, operational effectiveness, and the overall mission of public safety within Howard County.
This year’s recipient is Kokomo Police Officer Ryan Adams and K9 Perec
Top Shot Award
This award is presented to the deputy who achieved the highest score during the department’s annual handgun qualification. It reflects excellence in firearms proficiency, discipline, and dedication to maintaining critical law enforcement skills.
This year’s recipient is Sergeant Stephen Kline #34-64
Traffic Enforcement Award
This award is presented to the deputy who conducted the highest number of traffic stops as the primary officer during the evaluation period. Traffic enforcement plays a vital role in reducing crashes, promoting roadway safety, and proactively addressing criminal activity within the community.
This year’s recipient is Deputy Jason Neal #34-104
Criminal Arrests Award
This award is presented to the deputy who conducted the highest number of criminal and warrant arrests as the primary officer during the evaluation period. The award reflects proactive law enforcement efforts and a continued commitment to public safety.
This year’s recipient is Deputy Jason Neal #34-104
DUI Enforcement Award
This award recognizes the deputy who conducted the highest number of Operating While Intoxicated investigations resulting in arrest during the evaluation period. The recipient’s efforts directly contribute to keeping impaired drivers off our roadways and protecting the public.
This year’s recipient is Deputy Jason Neal #34-104