Lifesaving Awards Awarded Sept 25

On Thursday September 25, 2025, Sheriff Chuck Heit presented “Lifesaving Awards” to Lieutenant Kristin Barker, Sergeant Craig Staneart, Deputy Kendra Warman and Deputy Ryan Norton.

He also presented “Certificates of Commendation” to Deputy Yuji Hairston, Deputy Anthony Lardizabal and Deputy Casey Noack for their outstanding work. The award information is listed below:

Certificates of Commendation Recipients

On June 24, 2025, deputies from the midnight shift responded to an inmate who had attempted suicide in a dorm. Upon their arrival, they quickly discovered that he had used a razor to cut himself on his neck and arm and was losing a significant amount of blood. They immediately called for jail medical staff and began life saving measures applying pressure to the wounds. The inmate was in and out of consciousness, at times fighting staff to deliberately interfere with lifesaving measures. He was transported to Corewell Emergency Department by Medic 1 Ambulance where it was confirmed that he had cut his internal and external jugular vein and had lost 1 to 2 liters of blood. He was taken into emergency surgery upon arrival at the hospital where he received several sutures on his neck and arm.

The individual awards that were presented at the Berrien County Board of Commission meeting are attached to this media release.