Most people associate the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) with deputies catching bad guys or handing out traffic tickets. However, there is more to the department than that. Almost five hundred people work together to make the HCSO successful. On Tuesday, June 13, Sheriff Nienhuis handed out awards to those with mundane tasks such as preparing meals for inmates at the correction facility and setting up computer programs to make the organization more efficient, as well as for outstanding service like helping to save a life or solving a difficult case using forensic techniques.
Thirty-two people, including deputies, detectives, civilian employees and citizens received First Quarter Awards at the ceremony held in the training room at the sheriff’s headquarters in Brooksville.
Sheriff Nienhuis stated, “Our people are part of a law enforcement family. We’re a very tight-knit profession. I look forward to going over some of the successes we’ve had in the past couple of months.”
Deputies Troy Hyler and Michael Renczkowski were recognized for administering CPR to a man who had collapsed in his home. Their prompt actions saved his life prior to the EMTs arriving and transporting him to the hospital.
Another award was given to Detective Michael Woodward and Deputy Ed Hickey for their work with the Explorer Program. Apart from their regular duties, they head this program for youth ages fourteen to twenty-one to educate them about law enforcement procedures. Many of these young men and women go on to careers in law enforcement.
Woodward commented, “It’s very gratifying to take all of the lessons and knowledge that I have gained along the way and pass it on to the younger generation. They can use this knowledge in their career and hopefully someday continue to pay it forward to others.”
We’re all familiar with police forensics from television programs. It’s a combination of science, art and detective work. Forensic Specialist Rachel Clark was recognized for her initiative, “above and beyond the call of duty,” in using a special forensic technique in identifying the victim of a homicide in January of this year. During the time this intense investigation was going on, she also helped the department hire a new employee for her department.
What the commendations did not mention are the personal sacrifices that Clark, along with all law enforcement personnel, make every day, yet the satisfaction they get from their jobs.
“The most challenging part about my field [forensics] is the long hours. I’ve had to miss family and friends’ events. I’m blessed to be surrounded by understanding and supportive people. My favorite part of being a forensic specialist is returning people’s identity to them. I believe that we all, regardless of circumstance, have the fundamental right of being known,” Clark stated.
The HCSO awarded Dottie Stone its Volunteer of the Quarter Award for her long service to the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Nienhuis praised her selfless work with the Citizens Academy Program.
Ms. Stone also volunteers several hours a week at the Kass Circle substation and even prepared a home-made for employees at the main office to enjoy. According to Neinhuis, Ms. Stone “is always willing to offer her assistance at a moment’s notice.”
Detention Deputy Gerald Hovey received an award for making sure the kitchen at the county detention center was kept running efficiently in the unexpected absence of his supervisor, Lieutenant James Johnson.
Johnson commented, “Deputy Hovey stepped right up and took hold of the responsibilities needed to keep the inmate population fed. He even came in on his days off.”
Matt Balogh, Ed Schwartz, Teresa Hill and Terri McClanahan were recognized for updating and computerizing the sheriff’s office time-keeping and payroll procedures.
The commendation stated, “Software Engineer Ed Schwartz began to develop a custom program to handle the timesheet process. The savings of time (and paper)…makes this one of the most impactful and cost-effective projects undertaken by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.”
Sergeant Cinda Lillibridge who has been with the HCSO for twenty-one years is head of the public schools’ Resource Officers (SRO’s). She also supervises four deputies in the Community Policing program. Sergeant Lillibridge received a commendation for both jobs. In Community Policing, the deputies identify people who need help and work with them in various ways. They might be the homeless, elderly, or members of the LGBT community, to name just a few.
Sergeant Lillibridge commented, “When we looked to see which group was the most underserved one of them was the homeless. When it was colder we were able to get with a veterans group that helps the homeless. We went into the woods and provided them with blankets and did whatever we could to address some of their needs.”
Her commendation read, in part, “Sergeant Lillibridge is always thinking ‘outside the box’ to find ways to improve the quality of life for persons residing in Hernando County.”
So next time you see a law enforcement officer, take the time to thank him or her for her service.
For more information on the Hernando County Sheriff’s office, go to http://www.hernandosheriff.org/