Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
American Legion Post 49 named the Kosciusko County jail officers recipients of the organization's Outstanding Law Enforcement Award Wednesday during a ceremony and banquet at the Warsaw Post.
Legion member Bob Morrison, who works at the Justice Building as a special deputy, said the Kosciusko County jailers work in the most violent and dangerous neighborhood in the county.
"It's the hardest job in the county," Morrison said. "They have to work with people who have Hepatitis B and HIV every day, with violent criminals."
Confinement of Department of Corrections inmates brings in more than $413,000 per year, monies assigned to the county's general fund.
Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine thanked the Legion on behalf of the jail officers and Morrison for orchestrating the event.
"It is quite an honor," Rovenstine said. "The No. 1 responsibility of the sheriff's department is to house and care for inmates. In my opinion you're the most professional group of jailers in the state. This is a well-deserved honor and I'm proud of you."
The officers, who attended with spouses and friends, received certificates of appreciation from Lt. Larry Holderman as Sgts. Steve Barnhart, Kevin Riley and Fugi Ramirez read the jail officers' names.
The members recognized PFC John Springer, son of Jim and Cathy Springer, with the 18th Airborne Division. On duty in Iraq, Springer was home on leave.
Also present as friends of the Legion were several county office candidates: Kent Adams, Bob Sanders, Ron Truex, Marsha McSherry, Larry Ladd, John Sadler and Bob Sanders.
The jailers sponsor a baseball team for 13- and 14-year-old boys. Team members and their coaches also attended the meeting.
Post officers are Denny Nice, commander; Lenora Stump, second vice commander; Mike Davis, adjunct officer; Dave Beall, service officer; Norm Hubler, judge advocate; and Roy Bradbury and David Hubler, both past commanders.
