Multiple members of Pennington County Sheriff’s Office receive awards
RAPID CITY, S.D. — It was a day of recognition and celebration at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. On Thursday more than a dozen employees were honored for their years of service. Pins were awarded to those who served for five years and every additional five years with one member recognized for 25 years. Two people were promoted, Dustin Morrison moved up to Patrol Captain and Colton Reichert to Jail Sergeant.
Deputy Christopher Lindquist received the Distinguished Service Award for pulling a man to safety during the Cactus Lounge fire in Wall back in June.
Lindquist describes the events of that night. “I responded to what I saw was black smoke coming out of the top of the cactus bar, the cafe. And when I went over to investigate and see what was happening, there were people saying that somebody was trapped inside up on the roof. I was directed to where those people were at and I went upstairs. It’s hard to train for something like that. Basically, what ended up happening is I looked around to see if there was any other way to get inside. The smoke was too thick to go inside. I went up to the only window that was open…and helped get the man to safety.”
Lindquist continues, “That’s one of the reasons we do this job, to hope that we can be in a situation like that. It was the right place at the right time to help somebody that was in need.”
Three members of the Sheriff’s Office received Meritorious Service Awards. Deputies Jacob Mundt and Jorge Salas for helping save a man in cardiac arrest and Correctional Officer Yolanda Vivardo who performed the Heimlich on a chocking inmate.
Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Recognitions:
Promotions:
Dustin Morrison-Patrol Captain
Colton Reichert- Jail Sergeant
Anniversary Pinnings:
25 years
Corey Brubakken
20 years
Joan Fletcher
Justin Hansen
Lori Sargent
15 years
Timothy Bray
10 years
William Atyeo
Hope Bearden
Art Dolor Mathew Veal
Anthony White
5 years
Andrew Butchart
Aaron Cox
Marc Davies
Rebecca Elger
Jodi Glasgow
Mark Hirsch
Joshua Lavene
Jason Mitzel
Distinguished Service Award
Christopher Lindquist – Deputy Christopher Lindquist helped pull a man from a burning fire at the Cactus Lounge In Wall in June 2022.
Meritorious Service Award
Jacob Mundt & Jorge Salas – Deputies Jacob Mundt and Jorge Salas responded to a male in cardiac distress, performed CPR and are credited with saving a life in July 2022
Yoalanda Vivardo – Correctional Officer Yolanda Vivardo performed the heimlich maneuver on an inmate in the jail who was choking and unable to breath in September 2022.
Not all awardees were able to attend the event.
