GREAT FALLS — On Thursday afternoon, the Cascade County Sheriff's Office hosted officials, deputies, and civilians at Montana ExpoPark for its second annual awards ceremony in recognition of deputies and community members who’ve worked hard to support the Sheriff’s Office.
Around two dozen men and women took the stage as Sheriff Jesse Slaughter commended their exceptional work ethic and devotion, without which his own wouldn’t be possible: “My success is from the sweat, tears, and unfortunately the blood of those I work for, and on a daily basis, those who came before us,” Slaughter said.
Civilians received awards for supporting the Sheriff's Office with endeavors like the K-9 program and use of force training house - via generous donation of time, funds, and materials.
After applauding the civilians within Cascade County, Slaughter highlighted the members of his office whose efforts made a difference among the staff and community.
One noteworthy designee included 2019’s Detention Officer of the Year, Jacob McMahill, a past honoree who was selected for his critical and preventive efforts in the detention center. “It was a surprise to me to receive an award as a detention officer. it seems like a lot of people aren't paying attention to detention staff and what they're doing, so it's nice to be recognized,” McMahill said.
McMahill saw inmates exchanging notes within the detention center and took it upon himself to decode the messages in case they might indicate future violent acts.
“When you have inmates talking about things like, ‘Next time you see this guy, I want you to hurt him.’ Or things like that, then we can separate people, so you know they’re not gonna be hurt,” McMahill said.
His work helped prevent violent offenses against inmates and officers alike.
Many officers like McMahill also took the stage and were applauded as some of 2019’s most devoted and valued staff members.
Here is a list of all of the men and women designated as 2019 honorees under the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.
- Citizens Kirk Brueland & Joel Brueland of Johnson-Madison Lumber for continual support of the CCSO
- Citizen Becky Miller/Staybridge Suites for their continual support of the CCSO with various operations regarding human trafficking
- Citizen Gary McFerrin for his CCSO partnership and outstanding support in combating human trafficking in Cascade County
- North 40, PetSmart, Fetch Pet Boutique and Skyline Vet for supporting the CCSO K9 Program
- Det. Justin Kambic, Certificate of Appreciation, for an extensive Amber Alert investigation
- Sgt. Andy LeBrun, Certificate of Appreciation, for significant contributions to the Coroner's Office
- Det. Sgt. Jon Kadner, Certificate of Appreciation, for significant contributions to the Detective Division
- Det. Sam Wavra, Deputy County Attorney Stephanie Fuller, Det. Shawn Baker and Det. Michael Krause: Wavra and Fuller awarded Certificates of Appreciation; Baker and Krause awarded Achievement Commendations for an extensive investigation drug, disrupting an inmate drug smuggling ring
- Det. Angel Creech, Meritorious Award, for a complex criminal sex abuse investigation
- Det. Sgt. Jack Hinchman, Meritorious Award, leading the HIDTA Task Force and dismantling major drug networks in Cascade County
- LT Landon Koteskey, Distinguished Service Award, outstanding leadership, hired 42 CCSO employees in 2019
- Citizen Danine Jasumback and Dep. Casey Gervais: Danine received the Certificate of Appreciation for the Lifesaving Award (posthumously) and Casey received the Lifesaving Award because they saved a mans life on Flood Road
- Dep. Riley McDermott, Lifesaving Award, for saving a man's life in Black Eagle
- Detention Officer Jacob McMahill, the 2019 Detention Officer of the Year
- Corporal Brian Bebbington, the 2019 Deputy of the Year
