Local Deputies Recognized for Outstanding Service

MISSOULA - Missoula County Sheriff's Office Deputies Heath Hanson and Mike Sunderland received a Meritorious Performance Ribbon at the Law Enforcement Memorial May 18. Held by the Sheriff's Office during Police Week, it is a time to recognize the accomplishments of local law enforcement officers and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Deputy Hanson was recognized for his role throwing stop sticks in front of a vehicle involved in a high speed chase. The award read, "Your actions throughout this pursuit demonstrated courage, professionalism and honor resulting in the capture of a dangerous escapee and his accomplices. Your experience and subsequent participation in the debriefing provided valuable insight."

Deputy Sunderland was commended for his professionalism and performance of duty since joining the Sheriff's Office 11 months ago. He has enhanced traffic law enforcement in the Seeley-Swan area by issuing more than one hundred and fifty notices to appear, as well as myriad warnings to violators. His timely, well-written reports and thorough investigations have been instrumental in dealing with reported crimes and complaints. Several of his major cases have culminated in the arrests of suspects involved in felony theft cases locally and around the country.

Sunderland was also honored for his efforts assisting Chaplain Hochhalter in bringing the "Say Something" Assembly to schools in the Seeley-Swan area, creating the "Movie Night" as a positive outreach to youth, and pairing youth with seniors for a "Bingo Night." He also teaches criminal justice to Seeley Lake Elementary eighth graders and addresses local community councils about important issues.

The award read, "These accomplishments bring great honor to you, your fellow law enforcement officers, and the Missoula County Sheriff's Office."

 

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