|
Special Awards & Commendations
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office awards certificates to members of the Department and citizens of the community to recognize acts of heroism, the performance of outstanding service, or injuries sustained in the line of duty.
This page is dedicated to recognizing the Sheriff's Office special award recipients as well as award recipients of prestigious awards presented by other local and statewide organizations.
Sheriff's Office Life Saving Award
This special award is awarded to any Sheriff's Office employee who distinguishes themselves for heroism that involves the voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict, recognition of outstanding and unselfish service rendered in time of distress or who have performed a courageous act in an attempt to save an individual who was in danger of losing his or her life or to individuals who unselfishly rendered service in a time of emergency.
For acts of lifesaving, action must be performed at great risk to one's own life.
Life Saving Award Recipients
 |
Deputy Todd Sutton
Date of Heroic Act: August 25, 2009
On August 25, 2009, Deputy Todd Sutton was on his way to a call when he noticed large plumes of smoke coming from the north side of town. When he arrived on 19th Avenue, he saw that one of the residences was on fire, as well as a car in the carport. Read more>> |
 |
Corporal Philip Spongross
Date of Heroic Act: August 16, 2009
On August 16, 2009 at approximately 1633 hours, Corporal Philip Spongross and Deputy Michael Kofta were conducting routine boat patrol of the Colorado River in the Sheriff's Office airboat between the beaches located at approximately East County 2¾ and 2½. Read more>>
|
 |
Deputy Michael Kofta
Date of Heroic Act: August 16, 2009
On August 16, 2009 at approximately 1633 hours, Corporal Philip Spongross and Deputy Michael Kofta were conducting routine boat patrol of the Colorado River in the Sheriff's Office airboat between the beaches located at approximately East County 2¾ and 2½. Read more>>
|
YCSO Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Each year the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce holds it's annual awards and installation banquet to present the Chamber Member of the Year award. In addition, the Chamber affords local law enforcement agencies to recognize an officer of the year during this event.
Other Awards & Commendations
In addition to recognizing employees and citizens who received YCSO special awards, we would like to recognize Sheriff's Office employees that have been recognized and presented awards from other organizations.
Arizona Detention Association
The 4th Annual Arizona Detention Association Leadership and Technology Conference was held in Prescott, Arizona on February 20-23, 2011. The following Sheriff's Office Detention Bureau staff members were recognized at this event for their leadership, accomplishments and dedication and presented with awards:
 |
Captain Mark Martinez
Award: Outstanding Jail Administrator 2010 |
 |
Detention Officer Joshua Bay
Award: Detention Officer (Rookie) of the Year 2010
|
 |
Office Specialist III Israel Amadisto
Award: Civilian Employee of the Year 2010
|
The Arizona Detention Association is comprised of the 15 Counties in Arizona and is overseen by the Arizona Sheriff’s Association. Representatives from each Arizona County meet quarterly to discuss contemporary issues in regards to Arizona facilities, training opportunities, and enhancing staff professionalism. The mission of the ADA is to “Join together all counties concerned with or responsible for the custody and care of persons awaiting trial, serving sentences or otherwise being locally confined to improve the conditions and systems under which such persons are detained.” With this in mind, Detention Bureau supervisors and staff members nominated each of these individuals who they felt were deserving of the prestigious honor of Outstanding Jail Administrator, Outstanding Rookie and Outstanding Civilian Employee for 2010.
Captain Mark Martinez, Detention Officer Joshua Bay and Office Specialist III Israel Amadisto are a great credit to their profession and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.
Arizona Gang Task Force
On February 21, 2010, the Arizona State Gang Task Force Detention Liaison Officer (DLO) program supervisor presented the award for “Detention Liaison Officer of the Year”during the Arizona Detention Association’s Leadership Conference. Detention Officer David Castañon was the award recipient for 2009.
 |
Detention Officer David Castañon
Award: Detention Liaison Officer of the Year 2009
|
The DLO program was initiated with the mission of deterring criminal gang activity through investigations, arrests and prosecution as well as combating border related crimes. Officer Castañon was recognized not only for the quality of his work, but also for its value. The intelligence generated from his efforts has led to the solving of crimes and prosecution of offenders during 2009.
Detention Officer David Castañon’s efforts brought great credit to himself and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.
Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma
On May 27, 2009, the Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma hosted their annual awards breakfast to honor an Officer of the Year. Detention Sergeant Frank Flores, nominated for this prestigious honor for his continued motivation and dedication, was the 2009 recipient.
 |
Detention Sergeant Frank Flores
Award: Respect for law Enforcement Officer of the Year 2009 |
Optimist Clubs are dedicated to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”and do their part through community service programs. The mission of the Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma is "to inspire respect for the law among local young people". The Respect for Law/Promotion of Non-Violence award came about in July 1965 as a result of a discussion between Past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Since then, the Sunrise Optimist Club hosts an annual award breakfast to honor an Officer of the Year.
Detention Sergeant Frank Flores is a great credit to their profession and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact us | View site map
|
