Congratulations 2016 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.

2016 Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Awards

Outstanding Citizen Award

Justin R. Deiss

In recognition of your actions on September 13, 2015, without thought to your own personal safety, you stepped in and assisted two deputies by making sure they were not assaulted while doing their jobs. You have helped make Spokane a safer place to live and your assistance is sincerely appreciated. Thank you!

Certificate of Appreciation

Sergeant William P. Beeman          Corporal Nathan K. Bohanek

Sergeant Patrick L. Bloomer          Corporal Michael R. McNees

Sergeant Justin B. Elliot                  Corporal Mark A. Smoldt

Sergeant Mark C. Fox                       Corporal Jeffrey D. Thurman

Sergeant Richard M. Gere               Corporal Sean M. Walter

Sergeant Brad R. Gilbert                 Deputy Louis J. Acosta

Sergeant James L. Gladden           Deputy Shawn M. Audie

Sergeant Brett E. Gores                  Deputy Jay D. Bailey

Sergeant Travis F. Hansen              Deputy Glenn A. W. Bakken

Sergeant David W. Martin              Deputy Michael B. Beckman

Sergeant C. Marty Pannell             Deputy Mark B. Benner

Sergeant Kenneth B. Salas            Deputy Joseph A. Bodman

Sergeant Jeffery M. Shover          Deputy Robert E. Bond

Sergeant David C. Thornburg       Deputy Nathan W. Booth

Sergeant Harold J. Whapeles       Deputy David J. Bratton

Sergeant Michael A. Zollars          Deputy Robert D. Brooke

Deputy Christopher J. Bylow       Deputy Craig K. Chamberlin

Deputy Jeffery S. Conway            Deputy Julian T. Covella

Deputy Griffin E. Criswell             Deputy Robert V. Cunningham

Deputy Amber R. Dawson            Deputy Jesse J. Depriest

Deputy Kenneth A. Dodge           Deputy Daniel R. Dutton

Deputy Chad N. Eaton                   Deputy Thomas E. Edelbrock

Deputy Thomas Eric Epperson   Deputy Christopher J. Garza

Deputy Jeffrey G. Getchell          Deputy Joel C. Gorham

Deputy Matthew J. Gould            Deputy Timothy T. Greenfield

Deputy Andrew K. Hairston         Deputy James J. Hall

Deputy Ian E. Hays                          Deputy Brian C. Hert

Deputy Clay V. Hilton                     Deputy Glenn C. Hinckley

Deputy Brad D. Humphrey           Deputy Jason C. Hunt

Deputy Timothy H. Jones             Deputy Scott H. Kenoyer

Deputy Michael T. Keys                 Deputy Daniel P. Knight

Deputy Stanislav G. Kravtsov      Deputy Tyler S. Kullman

Deputy Brian V. Lawler                 Deputy Kevin P. Lillard

Deputy Terry W. Liljenberg         Deputy Evan A. Logan

Deputy Walter L. Loucks              Deputy Steven F. Martone

Deputy Derek J. McNall               Deputy John P. McQuitty

Deputy J.P. Melton                        Deputy Daniel R. Middlebos

Deputy Brent C. Miller                 Deputy Jerry O. Moffett

Deputy Daniel M. Moman           Deputy Frederick K. Morford

Deputy John B. Nave                   Deputy Scot A. Nelson

Deputy Wade A. Nelson             Deputy Justin J. Palmer

Deputy Steven D. Paynter         Deputy Lamont E. Petersen

Deputy Jason A. Petrini             Deputy Philip G. Pfeifer

Deputy Gavin H. Pratt                Deputy Spenser A. Rassier

Deputy Jim V. Reed                    Deputy Andrew M. Richmond

Deputy Alan J. Rollins               Deputy Chad E. Ruff

Deputy Darin M. Schaum         Deputy Daryl A. Smith

Deputy Travis W. S. Smith        Deputy Chad M. Speziale

Deputy David G. Totman          Deputy David D. Trautman

Deputy Ryan L. Truman            Deputy Samuel E. Turner

Deputy Beau D. Vucinich         Deputy Thomas H. Walker

Deputy Joseph M. Wallace     Deputy Ryan S. Walter

Deputy James C. Wang           Deputy Randy T. Watts

Deputy Travis D. West             Deputy David S. Westlake

Deputy Brandon N. Wilson    Deputy George A. Yingst

Deputy Byron P. Zlateff

The professionalism demonstrated by the Patrol Division sergeants, corporals and deputies assigned to both Spokane County and Spokane Valley for the extended low-staffing circumstances during 2015-2016 is commendable. You have met this challenge with dedication, a "can-do" attitude, and the determination to get the job done. The extra effort you have shown is truly appreciated and we Thank You and your families during this difficult time.

Annual Unit Merit Award & Unit Merit Citation

Greater Spokane Emergency Management

Assistant Director Edward A. Lewis

Program Administrator Lisa L. Jameson

Program Specialist Christopher S. Barnes

Program Specialist 2 Gerald R. Bozarth

Program Specialist Peter Hartmann

Program Specialist Simone A. Ramel-McKay

Greater Spokane Emergency Management is the coordinating agency during major emergencies and disasters for citizens, response partners and elected officials. This includes synchronizing communication flow between federal, state and local governments as well as local agencies and the citizens of the Greater Spokane area.

This extraordinary group of dedicated professionals works every day to ensure the Spokane Region is well prepared for emergencies and 2015 was no exception. During the year, they provided the services during several crises, some of which are the hazardous material response at Pacific Recycling, EAS/Alert Spokane Activations, evacuation and sheltering support for numerous local wild fires, activation of the Joint Information System in support of state requests for regional resources and during the Wind-Storm last November that caused massive damage and extreme hardship to our region and citizens. During this devastating event, Greater Spokane Emergency Management worked collaboratively with all the regional, state and federal agencies and the community to coordinate efforts and resources. It is for their hard work, planning and tireless dedication that we recognize the members of Greater Spokane Emergency Management with our Annual Unit Merit Award.

Medal of Merit

Kelly M. Matthews, Spokane Valley Police Staff Assistant

In recognition of your outstanding contribution and dedication during the implementation of the new "Incident Based Reporting" (IBR) system. Your professional and positive attitude while dealing with the many facets of implementing this system as well as saving a massive amount of staff hours and funding by finding errors and getting them addressed before the process was finalized are just a few of the things that make you a great asset to this agency. Thank you!

Deputy Andrew Richmond

In recognition of your skill, training and compassion in talking a young man out of ending his life. You were able to get this individual to a facility where he could get the help he so desperately needed. The compassion you showed during the course of "doing your duty" reflects well on this agency and serves our community in the most positive way. Thank you!

Deputy Mike Wall 

In recognition of your skill, training and compassion during the extremely traumatic incident on August 15, 2016. You were able to draw a young traumatized boy aside, engage him in conversation and make a very horrific situation one he could survive with a little less harm. You represent this agency on the highest level and we are proud to have you as a TEAM member! Thank you!  

Life-Saving Award

Chaplain Volunteer Jake Burkholder 

In recognition of your extraordinary actions responding to the incident on October 3, 2015. When flagged down, you stopped and were led to an unconscious male with no pulse and who was not breathing. You called for medical assistance and began CPR. Without your intervention, this individual most likely would not have survived. You serve our agency and the citizens of our community at the highest possible level. It is an honor to have you on our TEAM. Thank you!

Deputy Derek McNall

In recognition of your extraordinary actions on January 20, 2016, when you responded to a call of a "Newborn Infant Not Breathing". Due to your quick assessment and actions, the infant was soon breathing and crying. Your skills and dedication in serving the citizens of our community affect not only this generation, but generations to come! The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is proud to have you as a member of our TEAM. Thank you!

Deputy Darin Powers

In recognition of your extraordinary actions on March 27, 2016, while on vacation in Maui, Hawaii with your family, you responded to cries for help at the resort swimming area. You found an unresponsive male with no pulse and who was not breathing. With the help of another guest, you began CPR measures and after several minutes, the individual resumed breathing on his own and was expected to make a full recovery. You serve not only our community, but any community in which you may be. It is an honor to have you as a member of our TEAM! Thank you!

Deputy Greg Snyder

In recognition of your alert and quick response on May 31, 2016, when an individual went into cardiac arrest. You and two other individuals went into action and began CPR measures, called for medical assistance, and kept the gathering crowd to a minimum. Due to your efforts, this person continues to be an active part of our community. You are a valued member of our TEAM. Thank you!

Sheriff’s Star Award

Rick Scott, S.C.O.P.E. Director

In recognition of your outstanding and generous contributions to our community by initiating the recruitment and training of new S.C.O.P.E. members, tracking and guiding the many S.C.O.P.E. programs, as well as mentoring our youth and fitting bike helmets for kids. Your motto of "Saving lives and making people happy" says it all. Your commitment to S.C.O.P.E., the Sheriff's Office, and this community is truly appreciated. Thank you!

Detective Dan Blashill

In recognition of your work as the co-coordinator of the Regional Intelligence Group 9 (RIG 9). You help facilitate the information and intelligence flow on numerous fronts, including organized crime, motorcycle gangs, and officer safety subjects. You serve as an important resource for the eleven counties for which RIG 9 provides intelligence services. Due to your efforts, the safety of Eastern Washington residents and law enforcement officers has increased.

Deputy Darrell Rohde

In recognition of your invaluable service to the background investigations and personnel unit of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Your tireless dedication and continual drive to improve and standardize the process by which the Sheriff's Office hires new employees has helped recruit the best staff possible. You are a great example of dedication to the betterment of our organization! I am honored to have had you on our team. We wish you a happy and enjoyable retirement. Thank you!