(12-20-24) Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach held his office annual awards banquet Saturday, December 14 at the Elks Lodge in Van Wert.

Sheriff Riggenbach believes it is important to acknowledge and recognize staff for exceptional performance throughout the year. Staff are nominated by fellow staff members for each award, which is then reviewed by an awards committee.

There are several awards available to be issued each year including Office Citation, Certificate of Merit, Award of Valor, Life Saving Award, Commendation Award, Safe Driving Award, Civilian Citation, Certificate of Appreciation, and Military Service Award.

The top awards this year went to the following:

  • Civilian Employee of the Year – Amanda Overholt
  • Communications Officer of the Year – Willow Von Stetina
  • Corrections Officer of the Year – Skylar Smallwood
  • Deputy of the Year – Tyler Mox

Sheriff Riggenbach would like to congratulate everyone who received an award and thanks the entire staff for a job well done.