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On November 4th, 2019, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office held a swearing in and awards ceremony in the Hall for Heroes at the State of Oregon’s Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Facility. Each quarter, the Sheriff’s Office takes time to recognize the important contributions our employees make to help our community, recognize leaders who have been promoted in the organization, and to formally welcome new employees who have joined the Sheriff’s Office.
During the ceremony, the following eleven employees were presented with Life Saving Awards for actions they took to prevent the loss of life in our community and within the Marion County Jail: Deputies Phil McOmber, John Gelatt, Corey Larned, Cory Breitbach, Buffy Howell, Lauren Kellogg, Cody Crites, Josue Godoy, Cynthia Houghton, and Nurses Kathleen Adams McKenzie and Jessica Villanueva. Program Coordinator Deb Giard was recognized for her efforts within the Community Corrections Division and was presented with a Meritorious Service Award. Additionally, Sr. Dep. Mark Ferron was presented with a Community Policing Award for collaborative work he has done to improve public safety in rural recreational areas of Marion County.
Sheriff Kast recognized five members of the Sheriff’s Office leadership team who earned promotions within the organization. Lieutenants Kevin Karvandi and Jeff Stutrud were promoted to Division Commanders during the ceremony. Commander Karvandi, a 22-year veteran, will be leading the Community Corrections Division and Commander Stutrud, a 20-year veteran, will be leading the Enforcement Division. Sergeants Mike Hartford, James Krieger, and Matt Meier were each promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
The Sheriff’s Office was fortunate to swear in twelve new deputies as a part of the ceremony on Monday. These new deputies bring with them a wide array of prior experience and are welcomed additions to Marion County. Deputies recognized as being a recent addition to the Sheriff’s Office or for transitioning into new roles included; Alexis Buckholz, Bethany Kreutzer, Karni Smith, Amber Smith, Christopher Burbey, Marissa Foster, Geoffrey Riedberger, Jeremy Schwab, Traci Johan, Cameron Chrisemer, Rosario Hernandez, and Eric Gonzalez.
Following the ceremony, Sheriff Kast stated, “It’s an honor be able to recognize these women and men who have chosen to be a part of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and be of service to their community.”