Otsego County Sheriff Devlin Hands Out 4 Merit Awards

Sheriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr. announces that he presented awards yesterday to the Law Enforcement Division for 2018.

The following members received awards and recognition for their service:

Deputy Sheriff Keith Sheldon, Deputy of the Year
Deputy Sheriff Jacob Smith , Excellence in Duty
Deputy Sheriff Richard Kimmerer, Excellence in Duty
Deputy Sheriff Jessica Thornhill, Sheriff’s Achievement Award

Below is a description of the awards.

Each year the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office recognizes Deputies for demonstrating exceptional service and dedication to the Office and to the citizens of Otsego County.

This year we will be recognizing Four Deputies in particular for their Work and Actions during 2018.
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A valued member of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Keith Sheldon has performed his duties to the highest standards throughout his law enforcement career. His work ethic, respect for others and unmatched positive interaction with the community has truly set him apart.

Deputy Sheldon has and continues to be a valuable asset to the citizens of Otsego County. He consistently handles every incident and case he receives with the drive and dedication that not only reflects well on this commitment to his profession but on this Office as well.

Deputy Sheldon’s mark of excellence is his everyday commitment to providing his best to every case he receives.

DEPUTY SHELDON’S DEVOTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY HE SERVES, KEEPS WELL WITH THE STANDARDS AND VALUES OF THE OTSEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND HAS EARNED HIM THE 2018 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR AWARD
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On the evening of October 2ND, 2018, Deputy Smith's quick reaction to an evolving and violent mental Health situation ended this incident with a positive outcome. Had it not been for Deputy Smith's quick reactions to control a lethal suspect, the potential existed for a devastating incident. When fractions of a moment separate life and death Deputy Smith acted in a manner befitting a Deputy of this Office.

FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND ACTIONS, DEPUTY SMITH DISPLAYED THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PROFESSIONALISM, SOUND JUDGMENT, AND TACTICAL COMPETENCE AND IS HEREBY AWARDED A 2018 EXCELLENCE IN DUTY AWARD.
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Having transferred here from the Cooperstown Police Department, Deputy Richard Kimmerer has excelled through his transition and has adapted to our mission and core values.

Throughout 2018, Deputy Kimmerer excelled at his job and tirelessly worked on any assignment given to him. His consistent work ethic and devotion to duty set him apart as it earned him the respect of his Supervisors and the community he serves. Deputy Kimmerer’s actions on patrol and specifically during a mental health call in the Village of Cooperstown on October 30th, represented the highest standards of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office

THIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO DUTY HAS EARNED DEPUTY KIMMERER A 2018 EXCELLENCE IN DUTY AWARD.
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Upon responding to a complaint in the Town of New Lisbon, Deputy Jessica Thornhill identified and located numerous animals in need of rescue. Deputy Thornhill took immediate action and upon notification to secure additional resources was able to successfully secure the release, and rescue, of dozens of farm animals in dire need of assistance.

THIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO DUTY HAS EARNED DEPUTY THORNHILL A 2018 SHERIFF’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.