Lane County Sheriff's Office receives several awards from the Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon State Marine Board

Each year, the Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA) recognizes employees and volunteers from the 36 sheriff's offices around the state for exemplary work. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) also honors those who have gone above and beyond. This year, the Lane County Sheriff's Office received several awards, all in service to the community we call home.

Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) Instructor of the Year

Deputy Eric Churchill

Deputy Churchill (4th from the left), is an asset and is very committed to the OSMB education training program. "He consistently goes above and beyond to engage students and peers, making a tremendous impact on their learning through varying training methods that are thorough, professional, and exciting," according to Eddie Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator.

OSSA Jail Deputy of the Year

Deputy Guadalupe Torres

Deputy Guadalupe Torres exemplifies the highest standards of dedication and professionalism within the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude set a gold standard, inspiring colleagues to strive for excellence.

As a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team and the only female member of the Special Operations Response Team, she plays a pivotal role in managing high-risk situations and mental crises. Additionally, she co-founded the Corrections Crisis Intervention Team and is bilingual in Spanish, frequently assisting with translation needs across the agency. Deputy Torres' lifesaving actions during a critical event further demonstrate her commitment, earning her a nomination for a lifesaving award. Her dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve make her an invaluable asset to the agency.

OSSA Region 3 Volunteer of the Year

Nick Wedmore

Nick Wedmore has been a dedicated volunteer with the Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team for many years, beginning his service in the mid-1960s with Explorer Post 178. After a break to pursue other endeavors, Nick returned to Lane County SAR in 2001, where he quickly became a key advisor and leader. Over the past 22 years, he has played a vital role in hundreds of search operations, including high-profile cases like the Kyron Horman and Shawn Higgins searches and the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.

Since 2015, Nick has volunteered over 5,000 hours, and his calm demeanor and extensive experience have made him one of the few volunteers trusted to manage search operations independently. Nick's positive attitude and dedication have had an immeasurable impact on SAR, earning the respect of the Sheriff's Office Command Staff.

OSSA Meritorious Service Award

Communications Network Coordinator Brian Greig

During his six years with the Lane County Sheriff's Office, Brian Greig has exemplified exceptional dedication as a radio network coordinator, playing a vital role in ensuring continuous communication for emergency responders. Brian's contributions extend beyond routine duties, as he has been instrumental in maintaining and improving the county's radio system, ensuring its reliability during critical incidents like the 2017 snowstorm, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, and the 2024 ice storm.

Brian transformed the Sheriff's Office's radio system from a patchwork of verbal agreements to a robust, sustainable network, a change that has been crucial in emergencies. His commitment to keeping emergency responders connected is evident in his readiness to respond at any hour, often sacrificing personal time with his family to prevent communication failures. Whether it's assisting the Lane Regional Interoperable Group (LRIG) or troubleshooting complex system issues, Brian is the go-to expert for technical questions, underscoring his deep understanding of this complicated system.

A prime example of Brian's extraordinary service occurred on January 14, 2024, during an ice storm that knocked out power to a crucial radio site. Brian's quick thinking and action-working with public works teams to clear roads and coordinating with technicians to restore power-prevented a catastrophic communication failure for emergency personnel across Lane County, Eugene, Springfield, and beyond.

Brian's tireless dedication and expertise have saved the radio network multiple times. His strong relationships with state agencies, including ODOT, further illustrate his value, as he was trusted to fix their equipment and restore statewide communications.

OSSA Life Saving Award

Deputy Bradley Kaye, Deputy Jason Guilford and Oregon State Police Sergeant Justin Lindquist

On August 8, 2024, the Lane County Sheriff's Office received a distressing 911 call from a woman at her residence in Mapleton, who had discovered a suicide note from her husband and feared he was deceased in their garage. Deputies Jason Guilford and Brad Kaye, along with Oregon State Police Sgt. Justin Lindquist, promptly responded to the scene. Upon entering the residence, they found a note on the door leading to the garage that read, "I love you, please do not enter, toxic gas."

When firefighters arrived, Deputy Guilford and Sgt. Lindquist, equipped with SCBA breathing apparatuses provided by the fire department, entered the garage. Inside, they found the man semi-conscious on the ground, lethargic from the gas exposure. Acting quickly, the deputies lifted the man and carried him out of the garage, placing him into the care of paramedics who transported him to a nearby hospital, where he made a full recovery.

Inside the garage, deputies discovered a dangerous setup: a seven-gallon propane tank was connected to a cook stove with its valve open, allowing propane to fill the room. A towel had been placed under the door to prevent ventilation, increasing the risk of a fatal incident. The propane posed not only a severe asphyxiation threat but also an extreme risk of explosion, as even a small spark could have ignited the gas.

Thanks to the swift, selfless actions of Deputy Guilford, Deputy Kaye, and Sgt. Lindquist, the man was saved from almost certain death. By putting themselves at risk, the responders prevented a tragedy, averting both asphyxiation and a potential explosion that could have endangered everyone nearby.

OSSA Supervisor of the Year

Detective Sergeant Chad Rogers

Sergeant Chad Rogers, with nearly 28 years of service, became the supervisor of Lane County Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) in 2023. Overseeing a team of seven detectives, he expertly manages Measure 11 crime investigations and collaborates closely with Oregon State Police to lead the Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team. During an intense period in April 2024, his leadership was crucial as the team handled multiple high-profile cases, including two homicides and an officer-involved shooting within 24 hours.

Known for his dedication, Rogers works tirelessly to ensure thorough investigations and is deeply committed to the success of his team and the safety of Lane County residents.

OSSA Lifetime Achievement Award

Sergeant Tami Molony

Sergeant Tami Molony's 30-year career with the Lane County Sheriff's Office began as an explorer in 1987, and she was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1994. Early in her career, she served in Jail Security, became a member of the Communication Team, and worked as a Field Training Officer. In 2004, she joined the Defendant/Offender Management Center, where she handled offender classification, special reviews, and alternative program placements, becoming a leader and subject matter expert. In 2006, Sgt. Molony made history as the first deputy in Oregon with release authority through the Circuit Court's Pre-Trial Services office, helping create a groundbreaking program to manage jail populations that remains in use today.

Promoted to Sergeant in 2013, she returned to Jail Security and later began overseeing the Corrections Division's Alternative Programs, including the Sheriff's Work Crew and Electronic Monitoring. Her leadership strengthened relationships with community partners and ensured quality service.

Throughout her career, Sgt. Molony has received multiple awards, contributed to preventing escape attempts, and amassed over 2,100 training hours, including a supervisory certification from DPSST. She has mentored countless colleagues and played a key role in recruiting female staff into law enforcement.

Sgt. Molony's dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable member of LCSO, and her impact on the department will be felt for years to come. She is known not only as a leader and mentor but as a caring and dependable colleague.

OSSA SHERIFF OF THE YEAR

The Sheriff of the Year Award recognizes a Sheriff who has made outstanding contributions to the objectives and efforts of the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) during the current year. This prestigious award is not limited to committee chairmanship but highlights exemplary service that goes above and beyond regular duties. It acknowledges the Sheriff's active participation, leadership, and significant impact in advancing OSSA's mission and enhancing public safety across Oregon. The recipient of this award demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation, and service that positively affects the association and the communities they serve.

Sheriff Cliff Harrold

This sheriff has devoted his life to serving his community, beginning his law enforcement journey as a cadet while still in high school. Demonstrating early commitment, he convinced his high school to allow him a work-study program to gain hands-on experience. He later worked as a 911 dispatcher, all while volunteering as a cadet and attending Community College with a focus on criminal justice.

In 1995, on his 21st birthday, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. Throughout his nearly 30-year career, he has served in numerous roles, including Corrections, Patrol, SWAT, Drug Recognition Expert, and Traffic Safety Team Member. He advanced through the ranks, serving as Patrol Sergeant, SWAT Commander, Patrol Lieutenant, and Corrections Captain before being appointed Sheriff in 2019. He was elected to the position of sheriff in 2020. Facing a significant budget deficit, he worked tirelessly to secure the renewal of the county's public safety levy, which funds 70% of the County Jail's operations. Over several weeks, he held over 40 town hall meetings, explaining the importance of the levy to residents across the county. His dedication and clear communication helped secure nearly 80% voter approval, the highest in the levy's history.

He has made staff wellness a central focus of his leadership. He created the Health and Wellness Center which provides resources for the physical, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being of his staff. Additionally, he has supported alternative work schedules, such as a 4-10 shift for the Corrections Division, reducing overtime and sick leave while allowing more training and wellness opportunities.

Known for his personal connection with his team, he prioritizes a family-like atmosphere at his office. His leadership has strengthened relationships with county leaders, secured funding for additional deputies, and ensured that the Lane County Sheriff's Office continues to provide exceptional public safety to the community.

"I am truly humbled," said Sheriff Harrold, "and know that I am only one among many who endeavor to serve this community with dedication and commitment. Thank you for making it such a privilege to be your Sheriff."

Sheriff Harrold was recognized along with Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel.

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