The parking lot of the Montezuma-Cortez High School had many more squad cars in it than it usually does on Monday, April 7, as Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office employees and their families filed into the school for its second annual awards ceremony.
All employees at the Sheriff’s Office, whether they’re certified peace officers, administration staff or otherwise, adhere to codes of ethics and conduct, said Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
Such codes guide them to “live up to the highest standards of policing” and achieve their “fundamental duties” of “safeguarding lives and property,” along with keeping the peace and protecting the innocent, said Nowlin.
Those duties, Nowlin went on, are important because of the “position of public trust they hold,” and it takes everyone in the department to thoroughly and objectively serve the public.
And with that, Nowlin went on to honor the 10 individuals.
- First, he awarded Administration Division Supervisor Kendall Allen a Letter of Commendation. Allen has been “a valuable asset to citizens, the office and division,” he said.
- Heather Mann, the records section manager, received a Letter of Commendation for her “hardworking” and “organized” work ethic for the 21 years she’s been records assistant.
- Tayler Hill, the record section assistant, received a Letter of Commendation for her “great work attitude” and “thinking outside the box.” The changes Hill has inspired has made things more efficient, said Nowlin.
- Administration Assistant Samantha Shaffer, who’s been in that role for nearly a year-and-a-half, was awarded a Letter of Commendation for quickly learning and having a positive attitude.
- Civil Process Deputy Kenneth Geiger received a Letter of Commendation for being “an asset to the civil division” and performing with the highest standards.
Next, Nowlin recognized deputies and sergeants of the department.
- Deputy Kyler Rogers was named Top DUI Arrest Deputy in 2024, having removed seven intoxicated drivers from the roadways.
- Agriculture Deputy Michael Marston Jr. received a Distinguished Service Award for helping calm down an aggressive dog that showed signs of not eating for multiple days. The dog was guarding its owner, who drove to a remote location and hung himself from a tree. Marston's “skill and patience” allowed him to win over the dog’s trust and get it to eat and drink, which allowed the investigation to continue.
- Deputy Rebecca Lambert received a Life Saving Award for saving an elderly veteran during a welfare check. Lambert found the veteran alive and on the floor, unable to move.
- Sgt. Bryan Hill and Deputy Cayden Worcester were simultaneously presented Meritorious Service Awards. In July, Hill and Worcester responded to a welfare check in Mancos that, unbeknownst to them, involved a man with a gun who had been on authorities’ radar since the day before. After several commands to drop the weapon, Hill and Worcester shot and killed the man in self-defense.
Everyone in the audience Monday evening stood as Hill and Worcester accepted their Meritorious Service Awards for their “bravery and dedication to the community.”
Nowlin thanked everyone for attending and wrapped up the ceremony, adding that there will be the third annual awards ceremony in December.
