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Daviess County Sheriff Ben Becerra presented some special awards at the Christmas party held Dec. 20 for the sheriff’s office and emergency dispatch.
Chief Deputy Todd Watson was honored with the Citizenship Award and a lifesaving pin for his role in an emergency at the Dollar General Store in Gallatin on Nov. 16, 2011. Deputy Watson was the first on the scene, where a male subject was unconscious and not breathing. Deputy Watson initiated lifesaving techniques and finally a pulse was detected. Ambulance personnel stabilized the subject for further medical attention.
Deputy Robert Mazur, Gallatin Police Officer Rick Pointer, and two civilians, Tammy Mazur and Jesse Reynolds, all received the Citizenship Award in connection with an incident which occurred Nov. 1 at Rest Easy Apartments. Deputy Mazur also received a lifesaving pin.
Deputy Mazur was at his residence in an off-duty capacity when he heard a fire alarm sounding. He discovered an apartment filled with smoke and attempted to make contact with the occupant, Jim Kampman. Mazur’s wife Tammy and another resident, Jesse Reynolds, continued to alert other residents while Deputy Mazur continued his efforts to rouse Kampman, whom he could see sitting in a chair. Kampman would not respond.
Deputy Mazur and Gallatin Police Officer Rick Pointer were finally able to gain entry into the apartment and move Mr. Kampman to safety. Both Mazur and Pointer put their own safety at risk and showed extraordinary bravery and citizenship. Tammy Mazur and Jesse Reynolds exhibited exceptional citizenship as well.
Deputy Chuck Karns received the Honorary Deputy Award. Deputy Karns had served as bailiff and also patrolled. He served our country in the military. He served 20 years with the Department of Corrections. Due to a stroke he suffered, he was forced to retire. Sheriff Becerra said, "This individual is still a pillar within the sheriff’s office and is greatly missed."
Charles Cameron received the Citizenship Award for reporting his sighting of a jail escapee on Oct. 26, 2010. Mr. Cameron saw the subject walking on a gravel road around 130th Street and Cord Avenue in Daviess County. He knew there were three escapees at large and notified the sheriff’s office with a description and location. Shortly after this, all three subjects were apprehended.