The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
Kolton Johnson of Hamilton was awarded the Jim Drozdz Officer of the Year award during the Hancock County board meeting June 20.
In making the presentation, Chief Deputy Josh Smith noted that Johnson is in his first year of service as a county deputy, and as a rookie had led the department in calls for service, traffic stops and bringing arrests to jail.
“Jim Drozdz was big on being a part of his community,” said Smith. “Kolton serves as a baseball coach, works with high school football, and is always out talking with the kids.”
Each department administrator can make a nomination from their city or county officers.
In addition to the Officer of the Year award, Sheriff Travis Duffy honored several deputies and dispatchers for their distinguished service in the past year.
Deputy Larry Finch was given the Medal of Valor, Certificate of Merit, Life Saving honor, Sheriff’s Commendation and Distinguished Service award for his actions during a shooting incident on the highway east of Carthage on July 13, 2022.
Chief Deputy Josh Smith received the Community Service Award, Certificate of Merit, Life Saving honor, Sheriff’s Commendation and Distinguished Service award for his actions during the same shooting incident on July 13, 2022.
Deputy Brock Landis was given a plague for service and bravery during an incident Feb 13, 2022, when an inmate attacked jail staff.
Dispatcher Michele Gold was presented with a plaque for bravery and meritorious service during the shooting incident on July 13, 2022, and a plague for service and bravery during the inmate attack in the jail on Feb 13, 2022.
Ashley Flynn was given a plaque for bravery and meritorious service during the shooting incident on July 13, 2022, east of Carthage.
Many other officers were recognized for their years and quality of service to the county.
Mrs. Barb Drozdz presents the Jim Drozdz Officer of the Year Award to Hancock County Deputy Kolton Johnson, in memory of her husband. (page 6) -photos are courtesy of Patsy Davis Photography.