November 19, 2024
Local News

Sheriff’s department honors ‘above and beyond’ performance

By BRIAN STANLEY
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Will County Sheriff's Sgt. Rick Laib (left) receives recognition for 20 years of service from Sheriff Mike Kelley on Thursday at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. More than 60 deputies and staff were honored at the sheriff's department's annual awards ceremony. (Brian Stanley)

JOLIET – Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley said Thursday’s annual awards banquet is the highlight of his year.

The sheriff expects his enjoyment could face a challenge in November when the department moves into a state-of-the-art $30 million complex that will replace the 44-year-old offices on Laraway Road, but he said the evening likely will remain “the best part of the job.”

“I really enjoy this,” the sheriff told about 150 banquet attendees at the Jacob Henry Mansion. “Recognizing the men and women of the department who go above and beyond, who do everything they’re asked.”

Jeff Jerz was recognized Thursday as Deputy of the Year. Jerz, a 13-year officer, is assigned to the training division and created a “Run/Hide/Fight” presentation for active shooter situations that has been taught at county offices, an Army Reserve center and local schools.

Jerz also trains deputies to use a nasal antidote that they carry and use to revive someone suffering from a heroin overdose.

“Jeff’s outstanding work ethic, dedication and sincere desire to help his fellow officers, as well as the public, truly exemplifies what this award represents,” Kelley said.

Lt. Steve Talmontas was named Supervisor of the Year for overseeing changes to the computer system used to make reports and making the records division “paperless.”

Jerry Outlaw was named Correctional Deputy of the Year for his work at the county jail, and Sgt. Adrienne Knazze was named Correctional Supervisor of the Year. Training Division Coordinator Katie Zacharias was named Civilian Employee of the Year.

Seventeen deputies received awards for their life-saving work in 2016 – most for dealing with overdoses, suicidal subjects and medical emergencies.

Deputies Donald Marz, Brad Populorum, Jared Brooks and Michael Olino each received awards for two separate life-saving incidents. Other deputies who received life saving awards were Jake Debus, Matthew Silverstein, Jeremy Viduna, Chris Cavera, Dan Lopez, Shaun Morgan, Bradley Parker, Todd Flint, Carly Malecki, Francisco Valdes, James Demasi, Jannette Bishop-Green and Jerry Kruczek.

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