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Sheriff’s Office Awards and Recognition night was celebrated June 11 at the Chisago county public safety center,  and numerous staff who have performed above and beyond the usual job description, were applauded for their work.  Looking back over 2024 the trauma, split second decision making, and impacts from life altering incidents is something to be shared and faced head on. These awards  recognizing people for their advanced abilities and positive energy demonstrates more than a pat on the back but declares ‘we see you’ and are grateful.

The sheriff acknowledged his chief deputy, Justin Wood; for thinking outside the box and taking charge of programs meant to make the department more than just a good workplace. 

Sheriff Brandon Thyen introduced Wood as recipient of the sheriff’s Meritorious Conduct certificate. Thyen explained that Wood handles scheduling use of the public safety center and its conferences and law enforcement gatherings, he has been instrumental in leveraging donations and developing the exercise room, also bringing in a program that drafts wills at no charge (Wills for Heroes) He organizes therapy options and incentives promoting health. Thyen stated these opportunities “...don’t just happen.”   Chief Deputy Wood has held this post since 2018.  

Meritorious Conduct honors also went to a number of sergeants. Captain Derek Anklan commented that the sergeant commendation isn’t just about attaining the rank but it’s about what a sergeant brings to his position.

Sgt. Chad Stenson received a Meritorious Conduct certificate for being the anchor of the K9 unit for years. There are three K9 dogs  now,  Stenson’s partner has retired, but Stenson pursued a program where the dogs and handlers thrived and public outreach doing extra duty at public events and schools, etc created a “legacy” unit.

Sgt. Kyle Jones was awarded for his behind-the- scenes efforts in managing fleet and safety equipment. The law enforcement team has reliable, modern tools thanks to his extra efforts.

The work done by Sgt. Cliff Sheppeck was awarded for being a multi-tasker go-to guy, and his experience in relation building among area agencies is unmatched.  

And Sgt. Reggie Martin was recognized for time put into checking all the boxes of required training programs, plus his knowledge of outside funding programs reduces direct costs while meeting law enforcement standards.

Josh Arcand and John Hodgkins were two Life Saving Award recipients  for 2024. Their quick thinking and medical know-how answering a call dealing with an unresponsive male were exemplary.

Life Saving recognition also went to Deputy Pat Mariakis. His drone skills helped locate a despondent subject who was reportedly suicidal and had fled authorities into the woods of Interstate State Park. Opting to utilize the thermal imaging drone, he located the male subject,  which allowed for a successful resolution to this life or death call. 

The senior officer dispatched to a lethal force incident in North Branch,  was presented a Distinguished Service Award.  Sgt. Grant Kinnamon was described as calm and authoritative when he arrived at an officer involved fatal shooting, and provided decisive professional direction in the confusing atmosphere of this multi-agency incident.

The dispatch/communications center staff and corrections officers are an integral part of what happens in the sheriff’s operations  

Letters of Excellence were presented for outstanding work in 2024 to:  Adam C., Jennifer K. , Brittany C., Nicolas C., Kevin F. and Andrew N.

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