Four employees across all divisions at the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department were honored by Sheriff George Lenzner at the Nov. 5 public safety meeting.
Given letters and certificates of commendation were April Norman, Colleen Smith, Jenny Sundberg and Ryder Stefl.
“These are some employees that have gone above and beyond,” Lenzner said.
The honorees were selected by their supervisors, with Lenzner casting a deciding vote when multiple employees were honored from the save division.
Norman has been a cook in the jail kitchen for eight years.
“April is a true team player who is always willing to help whenever needed,” Lenzner said. “Even in challenging situations, April effectively monitors operations. She gets to watch the inmate helpers, also.”
Smith, a correctional officer since September 2022, works night shift at the jail.
“She’s quickly become part of the jail’s leadership team,” Lenzner said. “She currently serves as one of the officers-in-charge when needed. She’s also a jail training officer. In addition, she works as a classification officer.”
Smith was recognized for her professionalism, leadership and dedication to her duties. She also played a critical role in a recent medical emergency involving an unresponsive female inmate.
“She immediately began CPR,” Lenzner said. “Her swift and decisive actions likely saved a life.”
Sundberg is a recent hire in the dispatch center. She completed her training in July, and since then, she has consistently worked extra hours when needed due to staffing shortages.
“She has accumulated a total of 187 1/2 overtime hours,” Lenzner said. “That’s the highest amount of hours worked between July and September.”
Sundberg was singled out for her excellent attitude, cultivation of team spirit, and her kind and helpful conversations with the public.
Stefl joined the department as a deputy in March 2018. Lenzner said he has known Stefl since the deputy was a young boy, telling a story of how the sheriff and Stefl’s father grew up in the same neighborhood and were friends from childhood.
“He is highly active in traffic enforcement, building checks, extra patrol and other self-initiated field activities,” Lenzner said.
Stefl was also cited for his leadership.
“New hires look up to him for guidance and advice,” Lenzner said.
The deputy is a field training officer and often serves as an acting corporal when a supervisor is not on duty.
He is a member of the special response team with hopes of being a drug detective at some point.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
