DATE: June 23, 2023
SUBJECT: Sheriff’s Office Holds Recognition Ceremony
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-NR-0623
CONTACT: Chief Deputy Nathan Sugarman
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On Friday, June 23, 2023, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson welcomed guests at the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse for an awards ceremony. Family, friends, colleagues, and other guests attended to recognize a number of employees. The ceremony featured newly sworn deputy sheriffs, recent retirees, staff promotions, and those being awarded for life-saving actions or performing extraordinary tasks while on duty. Vanderburgh Clerk of the Circuit Court Carla Hayden swore the newly appointed deputies in.
Sheriff Robinson addressed the new members of the Office, “You now have a unique job with many, many exciting opportunities. A job that allows you to get up each day and decide what kind of deputy or officer you want to be. If you decide to treat people with respect and kindness. To be fair and even-tempered. To stay positive and ignore the hate that floats around on the internet and in other places, then you will have a long and rewarding career.” Sheriff Robinson added, “If you decide to be an unhappy person. To focus on and internalize the negativity and the unfocused anger that is present in this world, then you will be miserable and your career will be thankfully short lived. You get to decide.”
Below is a list of recipients and their accomplishments.
Retirements
Sheriff David Wedding
Major Jason Ashworth
Lieutenant Matthew Hill
Deputy Chad Gries
Awards
Deputy Mike Bishop – Sheriff’s Commendation
Confinement Officer Kayla Leek – Sheriff’s Commendation
Confinement Sergeant Leslie Butler – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer April Shultz – Life Saver Award (x2)
Confinement Officer Lane Buente – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Mikayla Riley – Life Saver Award (x2)
Confinement Officer Kevin Harmon – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Rebecca Downen – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Austen Pace – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Jacob Wilkinson – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Jessica Shaw – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Takanna Stotler – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Chloe Wichser – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Spencer Symanowicz – Life Saver Award
Confinement Officer Christian Lothamer – Life Saver Award
Deputy Brad Fein – Life Saver Award
Sergeant Chad Howard – Life Saver Award
Promotions
Sergeant Leslie Butler
Sergeant Nathan Baehl
Sergeant Robert Hart
Sergeant Matt Elrod
Sergeant Josh Patterson
Sergeant Andy Norris
Staff Sergeant Evan Woosley
Lieutenant Tim Woods
Lieutenant Stetsun Sunderman
Lieutenant JD Wargel
Lieutenant Erik Nilssen
Lieutenant Chris Roe
Captain Dave Guetling
Major Matt Corn
Major Rob Clark
Chief Deputy Nathan Sugarman
Release From Probationary Status Confinement Officers
Confinement Officer Cameron Reeves
Confinement Officer Jessica Shaw
Confinement Officer Brittany Wendel
Confinement Officer Jeff Deaton
Confinement Officer Jacob Mercer
Confinement Officer Kameron Ashley
Confinement Officer Tristin Cooper
Confinement Officer Ty Street
Swearing in of New Deputies
Probationary Deputy Joao Carlos Silvia Mario
Probationary Deputy Adam Manna
Probationary Deputy Alex Miller
Probationary Deputy Lucas Pate
Probationary Deputy Chris Russell
Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard begins the ceremony.
Retired Sheriff David Wedding receives his retirement plaque.
Retired Deputy Chad Gries receives his retirement plaque.
Newly promoted Confinement Sergeant Leslie Butler receives her recognition.
Newly promoted Jail Commander Dave Guetling receives his recognition.
Confinement Officer Kayla Leek receives her commendation.
Officers receive lifesaver award.
Probationary Deputy Joao Carlos Silvia Mario receives his badge.
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