Kosciusko County Sheriff - 2023

In 1925 Russell and Hobart Creighton started their farm on 38 acres, just south of Atwood, helping to designate this area as “The Egg Basket of the Midwest.” As a family farm, that is now in its 5th generation, we are proud to be part of the rich agricultural heritage in Kosciusko County. We are thankful for the dedication and professionalism that we have always been shown by the Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department.

Here’’s to the next 100 years of continuing to make our community a wonderful place to call home.”

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office

221 West Main Street Warsaw, IN 46580

Phone (574) 267-5667

Fax (574) 269-6195

Sheriff Jim Smith

Becoming the Sheriff of Kosciusko County has been one of my greatest achievements and truly, is an absolute honor and privilege to serve this great county in this capacity.

I am often asked, how things are going at the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office? I typically respond by telling people, it’s very busy, however I couldn’t be more pleased with the progress KCSO has made thus far in my term. After being elected, I knew it was essential to build the right team around me. In my opinion, it is essential to create a “team effort” approach to ensure a successful future for the department. I have to say, I am truly blessed to have the team of leaders surrounding me as Sheriff that I have in place.

I couldn’t ask for a better group of men and women than what we have at KCSO serving Kosciusko County. I stress to the department, the “family style” environment is the way of the Sheriff’s Office during my administration. Part of that style is that I believe not one position is more important than any other position. Every piece to the puzzle is instrumental to our success. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office patrol division, communication center, work release center staff, kitchen staff, jail, court officers, security officers, reserve officers, boat patrol, and the administration are all equally important in serving you, the Kosciusko

I encourage all citizens to follow the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Facebook and other social media platforms to stay current on what’s

I have always believed that community policing is important to the people we serve, so I challenge all citizens to say hello to our employees as you see them in the community, and get to know our great staff!

They are the lifeline in emergencies

The Kosciusko 911 Communication Center is the lifeline for officers throughout the county and for residents in need of emergency services. Its services are available 24/7 and it never shuts down due to vacations or holidays.

Tami Brooks, with 12 years experience, and Director Amanda See with eight years explained the operations of this essential department.

“We don’t get animals out of trees or report power outages,” said Brooks, noting these are some of the common calls they receive.

The communication center handles all emergency and nonemergency calls for the entire county. This includes the sheriff’s office, Claypool, Mentone, Milford, North Webster, Pierceton, Silver Lake and Syracuse, plus 14 fire departments and three ambulance services.

When an emergency call comes through, the callers are asked a number of questions. Both

See and Brooks noted often callers tell them it is none of their business, or question why such questions are being asked.

The questions a 911 caller is asked are answers a dispatcher needs to know to send the correct emergency agency and what equipment may be needed. “Think of it as safety of the responders as well as getting the right equipment to provide the best services,” said See.

Not just anyone can be a dispatcher. It takes special people to do the job, according to See and Brooks. “Your worst day is ours everyday,” stated Brooks.Dispatchers undergo a four-month training and each week during that training, potential dispatchers are tested on various areas, including police codes and signals. Each dispatcher has completed the course and has received 40 hours of public telecommunication; IDAC training to do online system searches on warrants; and vehicle registration and driver license checks when and if requested by an officer. Each one is also an Emergency Medical Dispatcher and CPR certified.

The dispatchers not only handle emergency calls; they are an officer’s lifeline. They can provide additional information to an officer through a system called CAD, that the officer may need to know for their safety or to assist on the call.

Currently there are 17 full-time and two part-time dispatchers. Five recently underwent training and were certified by June. Each shift is staffed by a minimum of three people.

These dispatchers handle 140,000 to 160,000 calls a year. Just last year there were over 111,000 calls for service. The local communications center is also the backup center for surrounding counties on 911 calls, including Elkhart and Marshall counties.

The calls they handle can range from general information calls, such as when a community parade will be or when fireworks will be held in a specific community, to a major incident such as a fire or accident. “They must also be aware of the resources being used on a call and what is available,” stated See.

See noted the center now can handle text 911 calls from those in need who cannot physically talk. She shared that eventually they will be able

Dispatcher Tina Cook stands at her station in the Kosciusko County Communication Center, which has the top-of-the-line system and everything state officials have. Brand new radio equipment was added within the last year, including new desks that allow dispatchers to stand, often beneficial on stressful calls. Photo provided.

to handle video calls, where a link will be sent for the caller to use. However, she stressed the video calls will only last while connected to the communications center.

Both Brooks and See shared 911 calls are often received from disconnected cell phones. “The phone can still call 911, so don’t let your children play with those phones,” See said. “We can’t

call back and it takes time to check the calls.”

Additionally, Apple or iPhones are known to dial 911 when the phone has been placed in cupholders or the emergency feature is accidentally activated. In all cases when a 911 call is received and no one is there to speak with the dispatcher, contact with the caller is attempted.

SHERIFF ADMINISTRATION

Administration

43-1 Sheriff Jim Smith

43-2 Chief Deputy Chris McKeand

Sheriff Department Matron

Michelle Hyden

Jail Commander

43-32 Lieutenant Kevin Gelbaugh

Director of Work Release

Sergeant Jerrad Jones

WORK RELEASE

Administration

Director Jerrad Jones

Assistant Director Josh Gonzalez

Assistant Director Tammy Rockey

Day Shift

Eugene(Ed) Brown

Chas Demster

Tom Balazs

Nicole Bohnke

JCAP

Director Casey Trombley

Public Information Officer

43-28 Sergeant Doug Light

Training Division

43-34 Sergeant Travis Shively

Patrol Division Commander

43-36 Lieutenant Mike Mulligan

Investigations Commander

Lieutenant Josh Spangle

Britnee Sheetz

Lisa Holderman - Cook

Night Shift

Von Frieden

Tahya Lybarger

Dave Strombeck

Eric Lindsey

Jarrod Landry

Jerry Tondini

JAIL DIVISION

Division Commander

Lieutenant Kevin Gelbaugh

Assistant Commander Chad Marsh

Court Liaison Drew Shingler

Day Shift (A)

Sgt. Travis Nichols

Cpl. Kaitlin Clibon

Officer Ted Barth

Officer Kevin Riley

Officer Brandon Ewing

Officer Dillion Wilkie

Day Shift (B)

Sgt. Daniel Meza

Cpl. Matt Francis

Officer Zachary Lane

Officer Angel McGlennen

Night Shift (C)

Sgt. Mariah Rumple

Cpl. Jacob Pearson

Officer Matthew Carter

Officer Jarrett Gard

Officer Kyle Blocher

Officer Beau Marsh

Night Shift (D)

Sgt. Trevor Harter

Cpl. Keaton Schopf

Officer Marcus Boyer

Officer Hunter Pacely

Officer Jamison Virgil

KCSO CIVILIAN STAFF

Michelle Hyden – Matron

Tim Sammons – Civil Process

Marcia Hollinger – Civil Process Clerk

Kathy Jensen – Receptionist

Cheryl McGettrick – Bookkeeper

Transportation

Officer Gordon Nash

Officer Paul Schmitt

Probationary Officer(s)

Officer Isaias Benitez Jr.

Officer Kim Gearhart

Officer Forst Sommers

Officer Lester Mast

Commissary

Officer Larry Hollar

Court Security

Officer Skyler Holsclaw

Officer Stuart Smith

Officer Robert Long

Sheri Rapp – Reports Coordinator

Carolyn Kaufman – Food Service Manager

Roeleta Borkholder – Kitchen Supervisor

Kiersten Abbott – Kitchen Supervisor

PATROL DIVISION

Division Commander

43-36 Lieutenant Mike Mulligan

Afternoon Post Command

43-6 Captain Travis Marsh

Animal Control

43-39 Deputy Jeff Clark

Day Shift (A Shift)

43-3 Sergeant Matt Holderman

43-20 Corporal Justin Smith

43-25 Deputy Dan Buell

43-23 Deputy Landon Cornell

43-40 Deputy Chad Stover

Day Shift (B Shift)

43-11 Sergeant Rick Oliver

43-7 Detective Sergeant Shane Bucher

43-14 Deputy Elizabeth Johnson

43-19 Deputy Mason Teel

43-21 Deputy Mike Heady

43-31 K9 Corporal Lou Mediano

Night Shift (C Shift)

43-15 Sergeant Joel Popenfoose

43-16 Deputy Shaun Mudd

43-41 Deputy Isaac Adams

43-37 K9 Corporal Kyle Denton

Night Shift

Shift)

Probationary Officers

43-4 Deputy Jacob Anderson

School Resource Officers

43-10 Deputy Craig Summers Wawasee Community School Corporation

43-35 Deputy Rick ShepherdTippecanoe Valley Schools

INVESTIGATION DIVISION

RESERVE DEPUTIES

911 DISPATCH CENTER

Administration Director - Amanda See

Assistant Director - Tammy Brooks

Dispatchers

A Shift

Jody Hand

Tina Cook

Jessica Scheil

Heather McGuire

LAKE PATROL

Coordinator

Deputy Tyler Stringfellow

Deputy Jeff Clark

Special Deputies Boat Patrol

John Kellogg

Todd Eby

Jerry Babb

Ken Nord

Dan Rice

David Schwartz

Thomas Malott

Scott Piepenbrink

Matt Goodnight

B Shift

Jason Ladd

Tressa Keim

Colleen Rentschler

Elianna Neuhaus

Jackie Troyer

C Shift

Trina Gard

Erica Benitez

Branson Byrer

Megan Burris

D Shift

Michelle Dials

Calvin Fancil

Mason Sumner

Bethany Johnson

Part Time

Marissa Stamm

Brittni Shenefield

Charlie Cox

Greg Mercer

David Caputo

Brett Nelson

Ken Fox

George Tubbs

Kyle Stamm

Cody Manges

Matt Stamm

Besty Williams

Probationary

Landon McCord

MCHATTON-SADLER

FUNERAL CHAPELS

Pierceton and Warsaw

Michael and Tracy Wilson

“Our families serving your family with professionalism, compassion and care.”

At the sheriff’s beck and call

One of the appointed positions within the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s office administration is that of matron. This individual, who always is a female, is at the beck and call of the sheriff.

Holding this title is Michelle Hyden, who was appointed shortly after Sheriff Jim Smith took office in 2023. Hyden, however, is no stranger to the law enforcement world.

She has been working with the sheriff’s office for 12 years. Hyden started out as a dispatcher, then moved into the administrative side where she served as clerk. That position morphed into a report coordinator, handling reports to state and federal agencies.

Now, as matron, “she is one who wears many hats,” said Smith, with Hyden adding, “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Hyden checks the payroll, which may include recording an officer’s time outside of regular hours as reported by division commanders or jail commanders. She also prints off any necessary forms for personal time or holiday time. “There are different forms, including overtime. I make sure things equal out,” she said. Once the paperwork is complete, it is up to her to get it to the appropriate office, including the auditor and human resources.

Another responsibility is keeping track of budget expenditures, so a title of financial administrator could also be added to her job description. She keeps a close eye on the office’s budget to make sure expenditures are on track.

Add to that she is the notary for inmates and is the sheriff’s office manager and handles tasks at the request of the sheriff.

“There’s not one specific thing I do,” Hyden

said. She is still in the process of training her replacement regarding filing reports with other governmental agencies.

The matron is the point of contact for outside agencies to the sheriff’s office. She also is a secretary to the sheriff when he is not available and acts as the middle person. Ultimately, she directly reports to the sheriff.

Another aspect of her job is working with the jail’s food services department that reports directly to her. “They come to me if they need something, but they are self sufficient,” Hyden said.

“I’m almost like a personal assistant (to the sheriff),” Hyden said. She keeps track of meetings, presentations and other appointments the sheriff has. She also handles various calls on nights and weekends from various departments within the sheriff’s office.

Perhaps a big task is handling computer operations for the department and helping with IT issues when possible.

Michelle Hyden wears many hats as matron at the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s office. Ultimately, she answers to the sheriff. Photo provided.

...“she is one who wears many hats,” said Smith, with Hyden adding, “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Lake patrols need volunteers to better protect and serve

During the summer months, Syracuse, Wawasee and Tippecanoe lakes each have a lake patrol helping boaters follow the rules of the water. These lake patrols run from the first holiday of the summer, Memorial Day, through September or October.

The Syracuse and Wawasee lake patrol is a self-governed entity with Jeff Clark acting as the liaison with the sheriff’s department. Tyler Stringfellow will be taking over in the near future.

They have 11 members and five watercraft. Each of the lake patrol members are considered special deputies and are able to handle infractions.

Tippecanoe Lake patrol is run by Clark and Stringfellow and has six members and three watercraft. Except for one member, who is a special deputy, the other lake patrol volunteers are reserve deputies, meaning they can handle not only infractions but also misdemeanors and felonies on the water.

Lake patrols are run by the corresponding property owners associations. The POA is responsible for purchasing the boat as well as any maintenance or fuel needed for the watercraft. While there is a grant which allows for a small salary for lake patrol members, the responsibility is largely on a volunteer basis.

Last year the patrols logged 475 hours, which does not include any hours that were purely unpaid volunteer hours or those by Clark himself. Patrols are typically three-hour shifts and must be out on weekends, holidays and during the week of holidays. If lake traffic is low, then shifts are only two hours. Members of the lake patrol are

also available to assist at all times, even when not on patrol.

The focus of the lake patrols is boater education and safety and then enforcing boater laws. Lake patrol officers would rather have a conversation with those on the lake and explain the rules than write a citation.

Members of the lake patrol receive an orientation and training. They receive training from the Department of Natural Resources as well as water rescue training. They have assisted with calls of boats in distress.

Many who enjoy the lake want to see the lake patrol out more to ensure the safety of everyone out on the lake. However, to make that happen the lake patrol needs more volunteers for all three lakes. Any lake property owner and member of each lake’s property owners association is invited to get involved to help keep the lakes safe.

Those interested in learning more about volunteering with the lake patrol should contact their property owners association.

The watercraft used by the Syracuse and Wawasee lake patrol are seen heading out to patrol the water. There is also a lake patrol on Tippecanoe Lake. These patrols are active during the busy boater summer months. Photo provided.

Work release provides a chance to continue life while incarcerated

Kosciusko County Work Release provides an opportunity for offenders to continue providing for their families while serving a sentence for offenses.

Jerrad Jones, work release director, said not everyone is eligible for the program. Judges need to approve participation in the program, applications need to be filed, criminal background checks completed and behavior while incarcerated reviewed. “We typically reject more than we accept,” Jones said, noting the program is not for everyone.

Those seeking work release must be drug free, cannot have any pending criminal cases or hold from any other county at the time of sentencing. There are also certain charges that make them statutorily ineligible.

Work release participants come straight from the Kosciusko County Jail. While some enter the program with jobs already lined up or have the ability to return to work, a person can be accepted without a job and allowed to seek employment.

Those without employment begin as a trustee, cooking and cleaning at the facility, which is located in a former hotel converted into dorms for men and for women with a cafeteria facility added. These participants are given three weeks to a month to find employment.

The rules are simple: Go to work, return and remain drug free.

Work release officials work with program participants to see what they need to get a job. Can they drive? Do they need a driver’s license? Do they have a birth certificate and Social Security card?

“We allow them to go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get a driver’s license,” said Jones. Passes can be requested for such a matter.

Those who are trustees are allowed to go out and look for jobs. “We have several employers who will hire from the work release program. Our goal is to have them make life-sustaining wages in a jail environment, but freedom to stay up on bills

so when they go out into the community, they are ready to go,” said Jones

Each participant is responsible to find their own transportation to and from work. “A vast majority are on their own,” Jones said. “Some walk to work. We do allow them to have bicycles or mopeds. Several have family members pick them up, others use a ride share.” Jones said occasionally transportation is provided for those who walk if it is raining.

Unlike serving a sentence in jail, where only video or phone visitations are allowed, work release participants can qualify for passes. These passes could be to visit family for five hours. To be eligible, the participant must have been in the program for 30 days, have all fines and fees paid off on current charges and be up to date on their rent at work release. Rent is charged on a weekly basis based on the participant’s gross income.

Individuals are also eligible to sign up for passes for specified lengths of time — doctor’s appointment, job search, GED classes, etc.

There is random drug testing.

“We are more flexible than jail,” Jones explained. Accountability is a key factor. “We believe in trying to help them.”

Jones was a jailer for 15 years and served as the assistant work release director during the last administration. “You develop a different relationship,” he stated.

Jones feels it is “fulfilling to be able to help folks on a significant level to take pride in themselves and I’m thankful I can help them develop on a different level.”

The work release facility has the capacity to hold 105 participants, but the optimal number is 75 to 85. The facility is divided into two wings, one for men, one for women; however; there are more men in the program than women. The two genders are not allowed to intermingle, except at mealtime and under supervision.

There are currently 68-70 male and female offenders in the program. Along with Jones, there are two assistants and a part-time employee.

Jerrad Jones, work release director. Photo provided.

JCAP offering inmates skills to succeed after release

Kosciusko County Jail is home to the Jail Chemical Addiction Program, a four-month recovery program for incarcerated men and women.

The program was started in 2018. A large number of groups have graduated through the program.

Casey Trombley, JCAP coordinator, explained the program is for inmates who have a history of drug related offenses who are waiting for court or are incarcerated for more than four months. There’s no promise an inmate completing the course will have their sentence modified.

“Some might be good candidates,” Trombley said, but the time of incarceration hasn’t been met or court dates are less than the time the course will take. Often attorneys will work with the court to continue the case until the accepted candidate completes the course. “It looks better if they are trying to improve their lives and take a new path,” Trombley stated.

Only 12 inmates can take the course at a given time. Just recently there were six female inmates taking the course. The next course, starting two to three weeks after the female course, will be offered to 12 men. “There’s not enough room to hold both men and women at the same time,” Trombley stated.

Eligible participants must apply to be a part

of the program. Those who have sex offenses or violent offenses do not qualify. “Only those with drug offenses as a matter of court record in their criminal history and here four months can apply,” Trombley said.

The applications are then reviewed by Trombley and representatives from the prosecutor’s office, judges, community corrections, work release, probation, jailers and sheriff.

Once accepted into the program, the work begins. “There is homework,” said Trombley.

Participants work on their GEDs if necessary. There are parenting classes providing skills to be a better parent, and healthy relationship classes showing what healthy relationships look like and

JCAP members showing off their baking skills

The latest JCAP graduates

boundaries. Other classes include self-esteem, domestic violence and more taught by Trombley, who is a licensed clinical social worker.

Each JCAP member has a Celebrate Recovery book used in the classes. There are other books used, as well as handouts and pamphlets. They go through moral recognition therapy that looks at self-reflection, choices, where they are today, what happened or could have happened if they made different life choices. They also look at different and better choices.

The classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. “There’s stuff going on all the time. Some days are heavier than others,” said Trombley. There are no classes on Saturday or Sunday. Each class is in one-hour increments. On Thursday classes are from noon to 6 p.m. The class members spend time a total of four hours a week, in two-hour increments, volunteering at the animal shelter or volunteering for community service. A total of 20 hours of community service is part of the program.

Because of the rigorous programs, class time and need for study, the participants are in their own block, different from other inmates. “This gets them out of the criminal jail thinking. They are not with the general population.”

“We have more applicants than space. I wish we had more space,” Trombley said.

She took over the program in January. “It’s been a dream of mine. I was with the prosecutor’s office for five years and saw the paperwork,” she said. She felt there could be opportunity for change for those individuals. “I had the chance to help in a different way.”

Those who complete the course receive a certificate of graduation and participate in a graduation ceremony.

JCAP relies on community support from individuals, businesses and organizations and grants. No taxpayer money is spent on the courses or materials.

Small animal medicine and Surgery

JCAP member volunteers time at the animal shelter

CRIMINAL CALLS 2022

DOMESTIC CALLS 2022

NET 43 2021/2022/2023

NET 43 2021/2022/2023

VEHICULAR CALLS 2022

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY SHERIFFS

IN MEMORY

END OF W ATCH: DEC. 31, 1954

END OF W ATCH: JUNE 29, 1994

END OF W ATCH: NOV. 12, 2009

Chief Deputy Joseph Bernell Bauer

Detective Sergeant Phillip D. Hochstetler

Sergeant Jeffery Bryant Shaw

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