Sheriff's Office names employees of the year

BUNNELL — Det. Dennis Lashbrook was named the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office's 2016 deputy of the year during the department’s annual awards ceremony Dec. 8 at the Operations Center in Bunnell

Lashbrook has been with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office since 2013, serving previously with the Flagler Beach Police Department. He was recognize for his “keen observation during an intensive investigation (that)  saved a 4-year-old child from an abusive relationship where he suffered traumatic head injuries from the mother’s live-in boyfriend,” according to a media release from the Sheriff’s Office.

“Lashbrook also discovered during his investigation that the mother and suspect previously attempted to sell the child. The investigation uncovered a horrendous situation where all the children in the household were being abused, prompting removal from the mother’s home and her loss of custody.

“Det. Lashbrook’s perseverance and seasoned investigating skills resulted in a child who is now thriving in a new and safe environment, entitling him to receive this Deputy of the Year award,” the release states.

Following are other award-winners announced during the Dec. 8 luncheon.

Detention Deputy of the Year: Stephen Watkins. Watkins has been with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office since 2010 and has been selected to be on the Special Operations Team and also became a field training officer.  Among his other duties, he was tasked with maintaining security and keeping contraband out of the inmate facility during intakes, which he has done multiple times. As a training officer, he helps develop new recruits, the release states.

Civilian Employee of the Year:  Joseph Esposito.  Esposito, a communications specialist, was recognized for his sense of awareness while off-duty in reference to a missing juvenile who had failed to show up in the car rider line at a local school. While at a busy shopping center, Esposito recognized the missing juvenile and reported the contact, which resulted in the juvenile and his family being reunited.

Meritorious Service Award:  Deputy Jennifer Prevatt and Communications Supervisor Amy Sisti. On Dec. 20, 2015, at 3:35 a.m., communications received a call about a pregnant woman who was about to deliver her child at home. While Sisti assisted family members over the phone, Prevatt arrived and helped the woman to deliver her baby. Flagler County Fire/Rescue arrived and transported the mother and newborn son to Florida Hospital Flagler and both were doing well.

Lifesaving Award: Deputy James Gore. On Sept. 9, 2016, Gore responded to a medical call on Old Dixie Highway in which a man was in possible cardiac arrest. Gore took over performing CPR on the man and continued to assist fire/rescue personnel. The man survived and is said to be doing well.

Community Service Award: Deputy Robert Tarczewski. Tarczewski worked tirelessly to ensure the successful coordination and completion of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run in 2015 and 2016. In addition to his duties coordinating the events, Tarczewski planned and participated in multiple fundraising efforts for Special Olympics, including the Polar Plunge and Tip a Cop.

Unit Citation Award:  Sgt. John Bray and Deputies Jeffrey Puritis, Jon Freshcorn, Eddie Valazquez, Donnie Brock, Cleo Howe, Shirley Anderson and Scott Wetherhold, for professionalism and promotion of safety at the courthouse.

Civilian Certificate of Merit:  Kevin Miller. On Aug. 5, 2016, Miller found a wallet that contained $3,400 in cash in a parking lot. Miller turned the wallet over to the Sheriff’s Office, the owner was contacted, and the wallet returned.

Civilian Certificate of Merit: Karen Vogt. A pizza delivery driver, Vogt did not get an answer at the door of a home where shge was making a delivery but she could hear someone inside who sounded like she needed help. Vogt called her employer who called the Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, Vogt entered the home and aided an injured woman who had fallen and was unable to get up. If Vogt had not stayed to help, the homeowner might have been on the floor for hours, if not days.

The Sheriff’s Office also announced the following retirements:

-Detention Cmdr. Annette Henry, who began her career as a correctional officer on May 15, 1991. She was promoted to corporal in 1994 and to sergeant in 1997. In 2001, she was promoted to lieutenant and in 2013, was promoted to commander.

-Deputy Steve Carr. Carr began his career with the Sheriff’s Office on May 27, 1992, as a corrections officer. He transferred to road patrol in 1997 and into the school resource division in 2001. He transferred back to road patrol in 2007 and in 2009 he transferred to the Investigative Services Division. Carr transferred back to road patrol in 2010 and to investigative services in January 2013. In April 2013, he was reassigned to school resource.