Congratulations 2018 Sheriff’s Office Award Recipients
These Sheriff’s Office Employees and Outstanding Citizens have risen above and beyond expectations and we are extremely honored to recognize their exceptional work. Please help us say “Thank You” for their dedication, sacrifice and hard work. Great Job All and Thank you!!
Please remember, each and every day, ALL of our deputies and staff proudly serve you, the citizens of Spokane County and do so with dedication, honor and professionalism.
*** These awards are overseen by the Law Enforcement Awards Committee comprised of several employees throughout the Sheriff's Office. They receive many nominations during the year and the committee carefully considers each nomination and decides who the recipients should be.
The "Sheriff's Star" Award recipients are chosen by Sheriff Knezovich for their outstanding job performance, dedication and professionalism.
Outstanding Citizen Award
Chauncy K. Welliver
In recognition of your extraordinary actions on April 14, 2018, without thought to your own personal safety, you stepped in and assisted a female who was being assaulted. Your actions prevented further injury to the individual until Deputies arrived on scene and arrested the suspect. We are honored to have you as a contributing member of our community. Thank you!
John M. Roach
In recognition of your extraordinary actions on September 20, 2018. You stopped at the scene of an injury collision, which involved a victim with a severed leg. You took quick action, applied a tourniquet which stopped the severe blood loss and saved the victim’s life. In addition, you were instrumental in making a positive identification on the suspect who fled the scene, as well as, directed traffic which limited vehicle delays and potentially prevented additional collisions. We are honored to have you as a contributing member of our community. Thank you!
Annual Unit Merit Award
Sergeant Patrick Bloomer
Detective Mark Renz
Detective Shannon McCrillis
Detective Jerad Kiehn
Detective Jeff Thurman
Detective Roger Knight
Detective John Oliphant
Detective Kenneth Scott
Detective Sean Walter
Staff Assistant Kelly Matthews
SCOPE Volunteer Jim Johansen
SCOPE Volunteer Bill Edwards
SCOPE Volunteer Linda Nilson
In recognition of the Spokane Valley Investigative Unit’s (SVIU) tireless and relentless pursuit in holding criminals accountable for their crimes. Your teamwork and professional competence are examples of what the Sheriff's Office strives to exhibit. The positive impact that this unit has had on the community cannot be overstated. This unit is yet another example of the caliber of individuals that are part of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Medal of Merit
Detective Jeff Thurman
In recognition of your exceptional job performance in the Spokane Valley Investigative Unit over the last year. Your positive impact on the community and hard work exemplifies the high standards of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Your professionalism, dedication, tenacity and thoroughness has made you a valued member of our team. It is an honor to claim you as part of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Life-Saving Award
Deputy Brad Humphrey
On January 14, 2018, you made a big difference in the life of a man who was attempting to commit suicide. You took the time to notice the car was not "normal" and investigated. You were further able to alert the proper authorities to get this individual the assistance he needed to work through his problems in a more productive and appropriate manner. Your caring, compassion and training benefits our agency and our community. It is an honor to have you as a member of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Deputy Chad Ruff
On July 1, 2018, you were called to a residence where there had been an attempted suicide. The male had ingested a large number of opioids. You retrieved the "Overdose Reversal Kit" from your patrol car and administered the Naloxone nasal spray. Spokane County Fire District 9 arrived and took over the medical care of the individual who was now alert and en route to the hospital. We are proud to claim you as a valued member of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Deputy Natalie Woolard
On July 10, 2018, you answered a call regarding a deceased individual in a basement. The individual still had a very faint pulse and was taking shallow breaths. You suspected an opioid overdose, requested a medic response, got your "Overdose Reversal Kit", and proceeded to administer the Naloxone nasal spray. The male regained consciousness, asked what happened and stated what he had taken. Valley Fire and AMR arrived and took over medical care of the individual. We are proud to have you as a member of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Deputy Paul Ouimette
On June 18, 2018, you responded to a call regarding a suicidal male. Showing compassion and going the extra mile, you decided to search the rock cliffs near the boat access to Medical Lake, and found the individual. You were able to reason with him and he received the help he needed due to your actions. It is an honor to claim you as a valued member of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Deputy Griffin Criswell
Deputy Michael Keys
Deputy Derek McNall
On September 8, 2018, you answered a welfare check call. A male had sustained a cut to his arm from a broken window and was bleeding profusely. Using a belt and two tourniquets you were able to stop the bleeding until the Fire Department and AMR arrived and took over. Due to your quick and efficient actions, this individual survived this traumatic ordeal. It is an honor to claim you as a valued member of our law enforcement family. Thank you!
Sheriff’s Star Award
Detective Jeff Thurman
In recognition of your extraordinary work ethic and leadership which distinguishes you among your peers as a SVIU Detective, Air Support Chief TFO, Lead EVOC Instructor and IADLEST Pit Instructor. You embody the tenacity, professionalism and dedication the Sheriff's Star represents. Thank you for being a valued member of our law enforcement family!