Sheriff Stovall honors deputies and staff with 2025 awards

Sheriff Stovall used his presentation time during the Stephenson County Board meeting to recognize employees from the Sheriff’s Office with 2025 awards highlighting performance across civilian, corrections and patrol roles.

Stovall introduced the winners, naming Social Service Administrator Erica Erickson as Civilian Employee of the Year and Corrections Officer Jacob Hein as Corrections Officer of the Year. He presented an Exceptional Service Award to Deputy Matt Carpenter, recounting a rescue at Willow Lake on Dec. 24, 2025 in which Carpenter and a citizen used a rowboat to reach and recover a dog that fell through partially ice-covered water. "Acting without hesitation, deputy Carpenter alongside a citizen utilized a rowboat to navigate a partially ice covered lake, successfully rescued a dog... resulting in the animal's safe recovery without injury and without harm to any citizens or responders," Stovall said.

Stovall also recognized Deputy Jordan Brickson for the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) award and presented the Sheriff Deputy of the Year honor to Special Victims Unit investigator Corinne Brickson. Lieutenant Michael Backus received Manager of the Year for leadership and performance. Stovall credited the board and public-safety committee for supporting the office’s programs and staffing.

Why it matters: Local law-enforcement recognitions highlight noteworthy service and community-facing rescues and enforcement efforts, and the presentation publicly acknowledges employees whose actions reflect county public-safety priorities.

Next steps: Awards are ceremonial; recipients continue in their roles and the Sheriff’s Office will maintain the programs and units Stovall credited in his remarks.