Jackson County Sheriff Presents Department Awards

Jackson County Sheriff Deputy Kirk Carter is presented with the Star of Valor by Sheriff Gary Schuette and Undersheriff Chris Simpson.

(October 15, 2021 8:20 AM) The Jackson County Office of the Sheriff held its annual awards ceremony Thursday evening at Cascades Manor.  Because of the pandemic, the event was not held last year.  Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette and Undersheriff Chris Simpson honored department members, volunteers and citizens for exemplary acts on duty, lifesaving actions, and terms of service.

Deputy Kirk Carter was presented with the Sheriff’s Star of Valor.  Deputy Carter was shot twice in the line of duty in 2019 responding to a domestic dispute.  Carter previously was honored with the Police Officer’s Association of Michigan Officer of the Year award.  The Star of Valor, the department’s highest honor was presented to Carter by Sheriff Schutte for his bravery, grace under pressure and willingness to put himself in harm’s way. The award is only given in exceptional cases for someone who does an extraordinarily hazardous duty or act.

Other award presentations included:

2019 Deputy of the Year-Corrections:  Mark French

2019 Deputy of the Year:  Patrick Collins

2020 Deputy of the Year-Corrections:  Alyshia Bigger

2020 Deputy of the Year:  Codi Barlond

(Deputy Bigger was unable to attend the ceremony as she is currently away at academy training)