DATE: July 06, 2026
SUBJECT: Sheriff’s Office Holds Recognition Ceremony
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0706
CONTACT: Chief Deputy Nathan Sugarman
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On Monday, July 06, 2026, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office held an awards ceremony at the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse. Family, friends, colleagues, and other guests attended to recognize a number of employees. The ceremony featured two newly appointed deputy sheriffs sworn in by Vanderburgh Clerk of the Circuit Court Dottie Thomas.
Additionally, members of the Office were recognized for professional accomplishments, life-saving actions, and the performance of other extraordinary tasks while on duty.
Below is a list of recipients and their accomplishments.
RETIREMENTS
Jail Officer David Taylor
Civilian Clerk Karen Rickelman
PROMOTIONS
Jail Sergeant Austen Pace
Jail Transport Supervisor Sgt. Bernard Boots
Jail Transport Officer Spencer Symanowicz
Jail Transport Officer Hunter Biggerstaff
Jail Training Officer Matthew Woodruff
AWARDS
Deputy Matt Gardner-Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluator of the Year
Deputy Macy Pace- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Deputy Matthew Weiss- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Katie Wolf- Sheriff’s Citizen Appreciation Award
Blake Sibrel- Sheriff’s Citizen Appreciation Award
Jail Officer Landon Vos- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Sgt. Michael Hertweck- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Sgt. Jeff South – Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Sgt. JJ Budde – Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Andrew Lasher- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Tony Toopes- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Jackie Juncker- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Roman Weinzapfel- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Lexi Boger – Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Scott Roberts- Sheriff’s Commendation Award/Sheriff’s Achievement Award
Detective Jeff Hatfield- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Deputy Neal Luecke- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Amanda Mentzel – Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Detective Skye Terhune- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Deputy Jared Zwilling- Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Deputy Jeff Fentress – Sheriff’s Commendation Award
Jail Officer Travis Thomason- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Jail Officer Takanna Stotler- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Jail Officer Ella Rightmeyer- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Jail Officer Jaylen Barnes- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
Jail Officer Karim Ndoye- Sheriff’s Lifesaver Award
NEW DEPUTIES SWORN IN
Elliott Buechlein
Matthew Titus
View Pictures
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