The Clark County Sheriff’s Office proudly honored the outstanding service and dedication of its deputies, civilian employees, and community members at its annual Awards Ceremony at Clark College on January 23rd. 

More than three dozen award recipients were recognized for going above and beyond to protect the community, save lives, and uphold public safety in 2024. Life-Saving Awards were presented to those who took immediate action in medical emergencies, preventing tragedies through quick thinking and compassion. Deputies were also commended for their courageous response to the Vancouver Mall shooting on October 31st, where they rushed into a chaotic scene, provided life-saving aid, and secured the area.

In another act of extraordinary courage, more than a dozen deputies and officers were recognized for their bravery during a September standoff in which an armed suspect fired multiple rounds at an armored vehicle carrying law enforcement personnel. Their decisive actions in life-threatening circumstances helped ensure the safety of the community. 

“The heroic efforts of our employees reflect the dedication and integrity at the core of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff John Horch. “Their willingness to act in critical moments has a profound impact on their colleagues and the people we serve. I am deeply grateful for their bravery, selflessness, and commitment to public safety.” 

Along with law enforcement personnel, several civilians were honored for their courage and critical contributions to emergencies and crime prevention.  

• Ian Roadifer was recognized for his quick thinking and actions in rescuing a missing seven-year-old girl at Lake Merwin in August of 2024. While fishing, he heard her cries for help, called 911, and guided search teams, ensuring her safe return after 12 hours in dangerous terrain. 
• Jacob Lind was honored for his swift and courageous actions in stopping a carjacking attempt in Hazel Dell. His intervention forced the armed suspect to flee, and his detailed identification helped deputies locate and arrest the suspect. 
• Shane Town and Dylan Sales, Asset Protection Specialists at Target in Hazel Dell, were recognized for their strong partnership with Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies, leading to numerous arrests and significant theft recoveries. Their efforts in coordinating retail theft missions and achieving a 40% theft resolution rate made their store a regional leader in crime prevention. 

Among the medals and honors awarded: 

Medal of Merit: Sergeant Scott Gilberti, Deputy Phil Walker, Deputy Tanner Pallamounter, Deputy Travis Gottsch, Deputy Bryson Layton, Deputy Denis Zhiryada, Deputy Sergey Ovchinnikov, Deputy Isaac Henrikson, Deputy Michael Ehrenfeldt, Deputy Michael Gonzalez, Sergeant Greg Agar, Sergeant Zach Nielsen, Deputy Jacob Lyle, Deputy Nate Smith, Deputy Ryan Preston, Corporal Billy Pardue (Vancouver Police Department), Officer Andrea Bauman (Vancouver Police Department), Officer Philip Wilkening (Vancouver Police Department), Officer Ethan Ogdee (Washougal Police Department) 

Life-Saving Medal: Sergeant Greg Agar, Sergeant Zach Nielsen 

Life-Saving Award: Allison Crider, Deputy John Snyder, Deputy Sergey Ovchinnikov, Deputy Mark Klyuchnik 

Distinguished Service Award: Shelley Wright, Bryan Stanley, David Smith, Deputy Garett Frigon, Commander Tim Bieber 

Citizen Service Medal: Ian Roadifer, Jacob Lind 

Citizen Letter of Recognition: Shane Town, Dylan Sales 

In addition, CCSO awarded the following for their exceptional performance in 2024:  

Support Branch Employee of the Year: Trina Sanford, Warrants Unit Support Specialist III 

Support Branch Supervisor of the Year: David Smith, Warrants Unit Supervisor 

Enforcement Branch Deputy of the Year: Deputy Phil Walker 

Enforcement Branch Detective of the Year: Detective Tanya Johnson 

Enforcement Branch Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Brian Ellithorpe 

Enforcement Branch Trainer of the Year: Deputy Erik Dunham 

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.