2023 KSA Conference Banquet & Awards Ceremony

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Banquet Opening

2023 KSA Director’s Award

The KSA is proud to present the very first “Director’s Award”.

Inspired by the first recipient of this special award, it is presented with sincere, heartfelt appreciation.

It’s bee said that the service to others is the best work of life. The bible says that “The heart of a man is in the hand of God.” Our recipient represents this so very well.

Brad Hewell, a former deputy jailer of 28 years for Christian County and later served a term as Jailer, Brad always worked closely with the KSA Boys and Girls Ranch. He and the crews that he put together were ready and willing to help with just about anything, from raking and burning leaves, removing tress, providing after storm cleanup, to replacing roofs on most every building on the property. He always got the job done well and in a timely manner, even showing up at midnight after a storm so camp could start on time the next morning.

Brad has a heart for the children and our ranch. As a deputy jailer and jailer, he was instrumental in obtaining many donations for the camp, from cleaning supplies, air conditioning units, tools, bicycles for our camper of the week program, to so many other miscellaneous items.

Since retiring, Brad and his son stop by often to see if we have any needs and just prior to this summer’s camp session, he repaired our fencing at the camp.

Brad is a true friend of for all reasons and a loving, helping hand for all seasons, and he is the first recipient of the KSA Director’s Award.

2023 KSA Medal of Valor

It has been said that valor is not the absence of fear, but the courage to act in spite of it.

It was on October 28 of 2022, when Deputy Jamie Watson responded to the sound of gunfire in his own neighborhood. One person was seriously wounded and may have lost his life if not for the quick response of Deputy Watson.

While rendering aid to the gunshot victim, Deputy Watson was also able to detain the shooter until backup arrived. It should be noted that during the incident, a school bus full of children was in the area dropping off local students.

Deputy Watson’s quick actions on this day not only saved one life, but potentially many more from an angry suspect with a gun.

2023 KSA Medal of Honor

In Union County, Kentucky, it was about 9:30 in the evening on March 16th of 2023 when Deputy Sheriffs, Brian Russelbrug and Jackie Carver found themselves responding to a run that had the making for a very dangerous situation. The suspect they were responding to had been involved in many strange incidents over the previous weeks that appeared to be issues of either mental health or drugs. The suspect had also been served with Emergency Protection Orders earlier in the day and was becoming increasingly agitated with family members.

Upon arrival the deputies obtained information from his mother that led them to his location. The deputies could hear the the suspect emotionally yelling inside the house. Out of concern for the elderly woman inside the house, the deputies decided to enter the house where they were immediately confronted with an exchange of gunfire, leaving the suspect wounded and Deputy Carver with a gunshot wound to his right arm.

Both deputies moved to positions of cover nearby and began attempts to deescalate the situation. While both deputies remained engaged and restrained in the further use of force, hours later they were finally able to negotiate a surrender.

2023 KSA Medal of Honor

Greater service hath no man that he lay down his life for another. On May 22nd of 2023, Deputy Caleb Conley laid down his life for all of us. A four-year veteran of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, he was killed in the line of duty.

During a traffic stop, the subject in the vehicle was wanted on a burglary warrant and as Deputy Conley approached the vehicle, the wanted man suddenly opened fire and took his life.

Caleb Conley was a good man, an 8 year military combat veteran and a good deputy who loved his job of service. A loving husband to his wife Rachel and father to their two children, Riley and Olivia. He was a dear friend to many.

The KSA presented the Medal of Honor with heartfelt emotion and honor to his widow Rachel in memory of his service.

2023 KSA Deputy Sheriff of the Year

The tragic and unexpected death of longtime Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Corman sent officials scrambling for at least a temporary replacement. Three days after Sheriff Corman’s untimely death, a 20 year veteran and Lieutenant found himself taking the oath of office as Interim Sheriff.

Over the next six months our deputy of the year, now carrying the title of “Sheriff”, hestarted meeting with the Fiscal Court addressing the needs of the Sheriff’s Office and the community.

During his interim period, he did not take any time off, including vacation as he felt he needed to make sure that everyone and everything ran smoothly. He had to learn a lot in a very short time and he never wavered from the challenge. He also continued his responsibility to teach the DOCJT Course, “The Duties of the Sheriff”.

When a new Sheriff was elected, he was more than willing to welcome him and help him in every way possible. The new Sheriff, Kevin Grimes, referes to Anthony as a significant asset to the agency and contributes to the day to day success of the Sheriff’s Office.

When taking everything Anthony did to carry the Sheriff’s Office through a very difficult time, the KSA Awards Committee unanimously agreed to select Jessamine County Deputy Anthony Purcell as the KSA “Deputy of the Year”.

2023 KSA Sheriff of the Year

The KSA Sheriff of the Year Award is all about leadership, and our Sheriff of the Year is all about leadership and leads by example. He has earned the respect of his deputies because he is a “Hands On” sheriff. They know he has their back, and they have his.

He realizes the importance of the families of the personnel who serve with him. He has hosted everything from Easter Egg Hunts to Superbowl Cookouts among many other events throughout the year that involve family members of all ages. Attendance at these events has been a huge success.

He is also a strong believer in “Spreading the Wealth”, or perhaps better put, “No Sheriff Stands Alone”. Anytime a Sheriff calls for assistance, he is there to offer whatever in needed. Whether it is something minor or a standoff in a neighboring county with shots being fired in his direction, our Sheriff stands with his deputies and others to serve and protect.

Our Sheriff of the Year has spent his entire career in Nelson County. He has raised thousands of dollars for local schools, churches and charities through various fundraising efforts.

He is a true leader and Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa of Nelson County is the “2023 KSA Sheriff of the Year”.

2023 KSA Installment of Board of Directors

KSA 2023 President, Sheriff Mike Jansen introduces the incoming 2024 KSA President, Sheriff Shain Stephens