DCSO deputies, civilians honored for bravery

Tahoe Elks Lodge No. 2670 this month hosted the annual Law and Order night for Douglas County law enforcement agencies.

Several employees from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, juvenile probation, China Springs Youth Camp, DCSO youth explorers, citizen patrol, search and rescue, reserves, 911 communications, as well as state of Nevada Department of Corrections, and Nevada Highway Patrol received awards for their outstanding contribution to the community through their employment. 

Richard Rodriguez

There were four lifesaving medals awarded to Deputies John Lenz, Kevin Karosich, Scott Battcher and Robert Holbrook. A DCSO records employee was choking on food in the office during lunch when Holbrook successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged the food. Holbrook’s quick thinking and immediate action saved her life.   

Five citizens were honored for their participation in an event in March where a DCSO deputy was involved in a physical altercation with a theft suspect trying to escape. The five citizens, Marco Huerta, Keith Smith, Bernard Brady, Scott Morasci and Grant Bell stopped on Highway 395 near Cradlebaugh Bridge to assist the deputy fighting with the suspect. This is the first time the sheriff’s office has honored civilians.

The volunteers and employees were recognized for their exemplary service and dedication to the Sheriff’s Office. Citizen patrol officers Tom Black and Steve Bolger, explorer Fallon Montanucci, search and rescue member John Murray, reserve Deputy Joe Benigno, record division employee Crystal Allen, Chaplain Rich Lammay, jail Deputy Steven Kimbrell, and evidence technician Debra Schambra were honored.

Deputy Richard Rodriguez was named officer of the year.