Sunday, February 9, 2025

Sheriff’s Office recognizes staff members

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he Dodge County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Holiday Party and Awards Banquet on last Friday night at Kramer’s Barn in rural Hayfield with over 70 people in attendance. BBQ Smoked Pork was on the menu along with bingo, raffle items, and prize drawings.

The following staff members were recognized throughout the evening:

Supervisory Letters of Appreciation

Chaplain Bernie Lattner — Presented for going above and beyond for first responders, victims and families of critical incidents during and after the incidents.

Letters of Recognition

Sergeant Jeff Brian — Presented for his work as the Sheriff Office’s hostage negotiator during a shots fired barricaded suicidal subject with a weapon call where the subject eventually turned himself in without anyone getting hurt. Sgt. Brion was credited as saving this man’s life during this crisis.

Sergeant Jeff Brion — Presented for saving the life of a suicidal subject by finding and assisting to get her help before she could harm herself.

Deputy Matt Wohlenhaus — Presented for saving a subject’s life during a controlled substance overdose incident where Narcan was used.

Deputy Justin Thurmes — Presented for saving a subject’s life during a controlled substance overdose incident where Narcan was used.

Deputy Shawn Dolsen — Presented for recognizing a young juvenile was in distress and getting help from Hayfield Ambulance who administered epinephrine and albuterol to save the child’s life.

Deputy Justin Classon — Presented for a stop stick deployment that ended a dangerous vehicle pursuit where an officer was injured.

Certificates of Appointment (new hires from 2024)

Domanic Merkel — Deputy Sheriff

Isaac Gronseth — Transportation Officer

Juan Menchaca — Transport Officer

Tanya Sarkela — 911 Dispatcher

Sean Rutledge — 911 Dispatcher

David Miller — 911 Dispatcher

Lindsey Vavra — Records Support Specialist

Makenna Hovey — Jury Attendant

 

Also recognized were all the military veterans on staff as well as the important work the Dodge County Sheriff’s Chaplains to for the agency and the community.

 

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Dodge County Independent

Dodge County Independent
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