Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Honors Heroism, Dedication, and Teamwork at 2024 Awards Ceremony
ASHLAND, OH – With a full room of Deputies, staff, family members, and distinguished guests, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office hosted its 2024 Awards Ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, recognizing a year of exemplary service, heroic actions, and unwavering dedication to public safety.
Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider opened the ceremony with genuine remarks.
“We always take a few moments each year to recognize the staff who have gone above and beyond and truly lived up to the standards of the Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “These awards are about celebrating excellence, commitment, and the people who make a difference every day for our county.”
Sheriff Schneider extended a warm welcome to retired Sheriff E. Wayne Risner, whose ongoing support for the agency continues to be deeply appreciated. He also thanked families in attendance, acknowledging the often-unseen sacrifices made at home.
“Without your support, our deputies couldn’t do what they do. You wait, you wonder, and you carry the weight of uncertainty while your loved ones are out protecting others. We thank you,” he said.
Recognizing Years of Service
The ceremony began by honoring staff for milestone years of service to the department. These individuals represent the stability and long-term commitment that form the backbone of the agency:
30 Years: Denise Patterson
25 Years: Jason Martin
20 Years: Mark Jump, Brooke Massie
10 Years: Brandon Banks, Joshua Early, Andrew Forsthoefel, Curtis Hall, Wanda Miller
5 Years: Caleb Benavides, Shelby Hammond, Jacob Hemenway, Michael Rain, Edward Stewart, Keith Turner, Johnie Wilcox
Perfect Attendance: A Mark of Dedication
Sheriff Schneider also recognized the 2024 recipients of the “No Sick Time Used” award—employees who showed up to work every scheduled day of the year. Their health, resilience, and commitment were applauded by all in attendance:
Andrew Barrick, David Blake, Bill Bragg, Asa Derry, Andrew Forsthoefel, Jacob Gasser, Ellen Gribben, Curtis Hall, Daniel Imhoff, Mark Jump, Brian Martin, Matt Neff, Brittney Pennywitt, Cameron Piller, Daniel Saylor, Charles Scruggs, Todd Sims, Cathy Staniford, Rondal Stone, Joseph Titus, and Danielle Wallace.
Compassionate Response Earns State Recognition
A special Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association Certificate of Appreciation was presented to several staff members for their response to a unique and emotional community situation. On November 12, 2024, a Great Dane belonging to an autistic child escaped while at the JVS for a grooming appointment. The department’s drone team and dispatchers responded to assist the frantic family, coordinating search efforts into the night.
Thanks to these compassionate efforts, the dog was reunited with its family the next day:
Capt. Randy Wood
Sgt. Barry Backensto
Officer Andrew Barrick
Det. Aaron Crites
Dispatchers Brooke Massie and Emily Sgambellone
2024 Officers of the Year
Several outstanding individuals were recognized for their exceptional performance in their respective divisions.
Communications Officer of the Year: Dispatcher Emily Sgambellone, who was selected by her peers.
“She just takes on any project without complaint and is a true asset to the dispatch center,” said Communications Captain Randy Wood.
Corrections Officer of the Year: Officer Brandon Banks, praised for his versatility across shifts, communication with inmates, and mentorship of younger staff.
“He gets the job done, earns respect, and never complains,” said Captain Joseph Perry.
Corrections Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Edward Stewart, recognized for stepping up during staffing transitions, demonstrating leadership and mentoring fellow officers.
“He leads by example and is working hard on professional development,” Perry added.
Enforcement Deputy of the Year: Deputy Rondal Stone, known for his unwavering commitment on second shift patrol.
“He consistently does what’s asked of him and more, serving Ashland County with respect and diligence,” said Enforcement Division Captain Don Sims.
Enforcement Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Matt Neff, praised for his involvement in patrol, administrative duties, K-9 handling, dive team work, and leadership.
“Success is loud, but the grind is silent” Sims said. “Today we get to make that success loud. To all those recognized—and those working quietly behind the scenes—you are what makes this office strong. Thank you for what you do.”
Major Drug Enforcement Achievement
The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association Commendation Award was presented to members of the Ashland County METRICH Enforcement Unit and their Ashland Police Department counterparts. In 2024, the unit more than doubled its felony indictments—43 in 2023 compared to 89 in 2024.
Awarded for outstanding drug and weapons enforcement:
Det. Garrett Dudte (ACSO)
Det. Richard Kinter (ACSO)
Det. Kody Hying (APD)
Det. Brad Scarl (APD)
Life-Saving Actions Honored
Deputy Asa Derry received the Life Saving Award for his heroic response on May 26, 2024, when a woman was choking and unconscious. Deputy Derry performed the Heimlich until the obstruction cleared and the woman regained consciousness.
Deputies Johnie Wilcox and Michael Rain, along with LPN Texas Sanchez, were honored for saving an unresponsive female arrestee on October 23, 2024. Two doses of Narcan, use of an AED, and close monitoring by Nurse Sanchez saved her life.
Certificate of Merit: Protecting Vulnerable Youth
Deputies Curtis Hall, Rondal Stone, and Asa Derry earned the Certificate of Merit for investigating a dog bite in Savannah that revealed child abuse involving handcuffing as discipline. Their persistence led to multiple arrests and safeguarded two children.
High-Stakes Pursuit Ends in Arrest
A dramatic multi-agency incident on April 1, 2024, involving a suspected murderer who fled through Ashland County in a stolen vehicle, resulted in the Office Citation Collaboration Award. More than 30 officers and dispatchers coordinated a pursuit, ending in the suspect’s arrest in a vacant home. The victim survived her gunshot wounds.
Agencies involved included:
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Loudonville Police Department
Ashland Police Department
As the ceremony concluded, Sheriff Schneider left attendees with a final thought:
In a moment of personal gratitude, Sheriff Schneider recognized Ms. Ellen—whose behind-the-scenes coordination of the entire event, along with countless office duties, often goes unseen but never unappreciated.
“She keeps this place together. I’d be lost without her, and so would many others,” he said.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office continues to uphold the values of professionalism, service, and integrity—and this year’s award recipients embody the very best of those traditions.
