Deputy Jeff Godbey, center, flanked by nominees for Field Operations Bureau Employee of the Year.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – When Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza stood at the pulpit in preparation to recognize outstanding employees, he began with a moment of silence to honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year.
Fifteen officers nationwide met the same fate so far this year, a number that increased by two between the time Snaza prepared his remarks and yesterday afternoon when he gave them.
Sheriff Snaza got teary-eyed, and said so aloud.
He told the gathering how each night as he goes to bed, he checks to make sure his phone is working.
“And I think about you guys, and I hope that I don’t get that phone call,” he said, his voice breaking.
Members of the sheriff’s office met yesterday afternoon at the Bethel Church of the Assemblies of God in Napavine, for the annual event. They were joined by family members and some members of the community.
Snaza spoke to all his employees, telling them not to feel left out one bit if they weren’t called to the stage.
“Every one of you are role models, team players,” he said. “I look up to you each and every day.”
Guardian Awards
• Special Services Bureau – Detective Jamey McGinty
• Corrections Bureau – Capt. Chris Tawes
Employee of the Year Awards for 2016
• Services Bureau – Accountant Sandy Lupo
• Corrections Bureau – Support Technician II Jennifer Teitzel
• Corrections Bureau – Corrections Deputy Jeremy Engel
• Field Operations Bureau – Deputy Jeff Godbey
Top Performer Awards for 2016
• Deputy Skylar Eastman
• Corrections Deputy Kimberly Crook
Sheriff’s Award
• Sgt. Alan Stull
Sheriff Life Saving Medal
• Deputy Tyson Brown
Citizen Life Saving Award
• Matt Mohney
• Chad Smith
• Teresa Smith
• April Brathovd
Citizenship Award (United Way, Shop with a Cop)
• Debbie Campbell
• Linda Raschke
• Linda Lee
• Angela French
• Sue Muller
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Forget about separation of Church and State. It’s obvious that the real problem lies in the Separation of Cop and Donut. The pic looks more like something from a Anti-Weight Watcher’s convention.
I’ll bet that not only do have of those pictured have Jenny Craig on their Facebook block lists, but they probably have Listerine and Certs on block too.
Warriors? HAHAHA More like an army of Pillsbury Dough Boys. It might be funny if they zealots didn’t have guns and the ability to murder another human being and get away with it by saying “i feared for my safety.”.
An endorsement is under Separation of Church and state means that they don’t hold an event but rather establish the religion as an official religion of the country. And Bethel has the largest parking lot and auditorium. Once you have the LCSO, guests, and family members there the place is nearly packed. We don’t even have a mosque in Lewis County and they would not be able to hold it at a Mormon church as it is not a service which would be an improper use in the churches eyes.
Wyatt,
What do you have against Mormons.
Sorry I just don’t see the sheriff holding one of these awards ceremonies at Mormon church or a Muslim mosque. Hence an endorsement: most people in this area are non-denominational christians or atheists.
Capability? You mean parking and P/A there are atleast a two dozen places locally that fit the bill.
First I doubt the church was filled to capacity or any where near it. Second holding government sponsored events at a church is endorsing that religion. I would argue there are many other places to hold a function in Lewis county. This is hog wash.
It’s good to see our mighty Christian warriors being rewarded for their service to God and community.
This makes me feel good to be a Christian as we know there is no other God but one: Jesus Christ.
Good work guys!!! Praise the Lord!
Wyatt, you obviously don’t understand the meaning of Separation of Church and State. Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists explain it best and is where the term originated. It only means that the government will not institute a national religion or project one religion above another. There are no places in Lewis County that have the capability/capacity that the auditorium there has.
What ever happened to separation of church and state? We have conference rooms at hotels and school general purpose room all over Lewis county for these kind of events.
Seems a bit disingenuous when they’re all congratulating each other on a job done. No mention of how winners are determined. Is there an independent panel?
I also hope you dont get that call but calm down. Law enforcement doesnt even make the top 10 of most dangerous professions. Maybe focus less on drama and pats on the back and focus more on crime.
I wish I could be part of your team – was part of the team many moons ago and was so thankful I was!!! Thank you for you and your fellow team mates for your service!!