Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is honored to recognize both citizens and members of its agency for their selfless acts of heroism and commitment to the protection and safety of others. The following citizens and sheriff's office members were nominated and declared recipients for the following awards:

Purple Heart:
Sergeant Chuck Buckner

On April 12, 2002 while attempting to apprehend a combative theft suspect from Park Meadows Mall, Sergeant Buckner sustained broken bones in his left hand. Although injured, he was still able to detain the suspect. Buckner's injury
required surgery and rehabilitation (approximately eight weeks).

Life Saving:
Citizen Michael Kruse

On July 9, 2006 Michael Kruse was traveling Southbound on Interstate 25 when one of his co-workers in his van stopped breathing. The driver of the van immediately pulled over onto the shoulder of the roadway, where Kruse took immediate action and administered CPR, utilizing his prior experience and skill as an Emergency Medical Technician. His lifesaving efforts helped revive his co-worker who was then transported to a local hospital for additional treatment and lived.

Life Saving:
Dispatchers (Supervisor) Shawn O'Mara, Lindsey Whitaker, Tai Blagg
Citizens Mark Turi, Tom Lynn, Fred Harper

On September 9, 2006, dispatch received a 911 call generated by citizen Mark Turi. The call reported a motorcycle collision in the Pike National Forest where both riders were critically injured. The incident occurred in a remote area of Douglas County that has rugged terrain. Dispatch staff (Shawn O'Mara, Lindsey Whitaker, Tai Blagg) gathered pertinent information and dispatched life saving personnel and equipment to the scene. Through combined efforts, citizens Mark Turi, Tom Lynn, and Fred Harper gave medical assistance to the injured
parties while directing emergency personnel to them. The combined efforts of Sheriff's Office staff and citizen action resulted in the life saving of two individuals.

Life Saving:
Senior Inspector James Jenson, Sergeant Max Young

On Feb. 1, 1997, Sergeant Max Young and Inspector Jensen were dispatched to a medical call of a 52-year old woman who was lying in her backyard, lifeless. Young, a Corporal on Patrol at time of incident had Jenson a deputy at the time, riding with him. Upon arrival, Jensen and Young administered CPR, which revived the woman just prior to the Fire Department's arrival. Paramedics stabilized the woman and later transported her to the hospital where she received advanced medical care and lived.

Sheriff Commendation: Deputy Joseph Pollack

On November 14, 2006, the County Commissioners and Sheriff unveiled two new street signs at the Justice Center in honor of two fallen DCSO officers: Deputy Ron King and Deputy Wayne Bryant. Deputy Joseph Pollack submitted a road sign proposal that made it possible for the Sheriff's Office/County to preserve the memory of Deputy King and Deputy Bryant by re-naming county roads in their honor. Deputy Pollack is commended for the personnel hours he invested toward working with the county commissioners and others on the
completion of this honorable project.

Sheriff Commendation:
Lieutenant Robert McMahan

In November 2006, Lt. Robert McMahan was awarded the Jail Manager Certification through the American Jail Association. Only nine others in the State of Colorado have attained this certification and McMahan is the first to receive this specialized certification at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The knowledge he has gained will better support operations in the Detentions Division and is a credit to his dedication and commitment to the Sheriff's Office and the community.

Sheriff Commendation:
Citizen Denise Whitmore

On Aug. 17, 2006, Denise Whitmore took decisive action, without regard for her personal safety, to protect the life of a woman and her child after a robbery suspect approached them in a parking lot of a Target store. Whitmore stepped between the suspect and the victims, while she confronted the suspect and called 911. Information provided by Whitmore assisted the Sheriff's Office in the successful apprehension of the suspect. Whitmore is commended for the aid she courageously offered to protect her fellow citizens in their time of need and crisis.