The Oregon State Sheriff's Association Awards

Left to Right: (SALT Volunteer John Brown, Reserve Deputy Artunyan, Sgt. Redding, Sheriff Garton, Lt. Isham, Deputy Younger, Deputy Brooks, Sgt. Heikila)

The Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) held its annual awards banquet on December 7, 2016. This year several members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a variety of state wide awards.

Commander of the year award given to: 

Lt. Jeff Isham

Lt. Jeff Isham was given the Patrol Commander of the year award for 2016. This award is given to only one person in a Sheriff’s Office who oversees the general operations of a patrol division. He was given this award based on his diligent work in the hiring process since the passage of the public safety levy, in the patrol and corrections divisions. Lt. Isham also took over the duties of the jail commander, in addition to his patrol duties. Lt. Isham has proven that he is dedicated to the success of the Sheriff’s Office and the services it provides.

 

Life Saving Awards given to:

Reserve Deputy Artur Artunyan
Deputy Chris Younger
Deputy Josh Brooks
Sergeant Erik Heikila
Sergeant Michael Redding

These three deputies and two sergeants worked together to save the life of an inmate who was actively attempting to commit suicide and who was also being combative towards the corrections deputies. They worked as a team and because of their actions that day, a human life was saved.

Life Saving Awards given to:

Polk County Reserve Deputy Eric Berry
Lincoln County Deputy Eric Larson

These two deputies worked together to pull a driver from a car that had just crashed. The vehicle was on fire and these two deputies used pure physical force to pry open the car door and (pulled) the driver to safety. Minutes after they pulled the driver out, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. If it were not for their attentiveness and distinct actions at the scene by removing the man from the burning car, the crash would have been fatal.

Enforcement Command Council - Volunteer of the year award

John Brown – Salt Volunteer (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together)

This award is given to only one volunteer from across the State of Oregon in recognition of their volunteer service. John has volunteered nearly 600 hours in 2016 and assists the Sheriff’s office in many ways from serving civil documents, taking evidence to the Springfield Crime Lab and is he also actively involved in community events. Sheriff Garton said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank these individuals for their valiant efforts and dedication to the office. It certainly says a lot about their work to be recognized at the state level for their work.”

Sheriff Garton (Left) and Lt. Isham (Right)

Left to Right: (Sheriff Garton and Lt. Isham)

Left to Right: (Sheriff Garton,SALT John Brown)

Left to Right: (Sheriff Garton,SALT Volunteer John Brown)