Last week, the leadership of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and the Lyon County Commissioners paid tribute to five members of the Sheriff’s Office family who have gone above and beyond in their respective roles.
The inaugural employee-of-the-year recognition awards were handed out during the Lyon County Commission meeting this past Thursday, with recipients and Sheriff’s Office leadership joining KVOE’s Talk of Emporia on Tuesday to discuss their careers and recognitions. Receiving the inaugural Detention Officer of the Year Award was Emporia native Moncerrat Ambriz, who says her fascination with forensic science and investigation led her to her current role.
She tells KVOE News that one of the most rewarding parts of her job has been the human interactions she is able to have with the inmates in her care.
Detention Center Supervisor of the Year went to Sgt. Mario Sandoval, who began his career three years ago noting he had always felt a pull towards law enforcement and public service.
Assistant Emergency Manager Nichole Schlesener was recognized as the Civilian of the Year, saying she is proud to serve the department in any and every way she can.
The Deputy of the Year was Collin Brozek, who has been with the sheriff’s office for the last eight years. Brozek, at the end of his interview with KVOE Tuesday, stated his biggest hope is that individuals always remember law enforcement are “people too” and there is a reason behind everything they do, safety.
Receiving the Commissioned Supervisor of the Year award, but unable to attend Tuesday’s interview, was Sgt. Doug Stump.
The recognition program, developed by Lyon County Captain Zach Shafer, not only recognizes the outstanding work done by each individual as part of their regular duties, but also the extra steps they take to serve individuals both in their custody and care daily.
Tuesday, Shafer shared one of these moments that was just recently brought to his attention.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope says this new program is not only rewarding to those within their agency, but it has also been enlightening to him and his fellow leadership, saying he learned a lot about many of his deputies and officers over the course of the selection process. When asked why he felt it necessary to honor each of the aforementioned recipients in public and before the county commission last week, Cope stated that it was imperative to him because they deserve to be put in the spotlight, noting it would not be possible for the office to “accomplish the mission” without the work of each of these individuals.
According to Shafer, the recognition program will be an annual occurrence with nominations and final selections made by members of the Sheriff’s Office.
