‘You Are All Who Make Us Who We Are’: Sheriff Snaza Discusses Past Year, Honors Citizens and Deputies at Annual Meeting

Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza often became emotional Thursday afternoon during the Sheriff’s Office’s annual meeting.

“I want to make sure you guys are taken care of,” he said of training programs implemented in the office. “I don’t want to show a sign of weakness, but it’s love.” 

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office had its annual meeting to discuss the coming year Thursday afternoon at Bethel Church in Napvine. 

The meeting started with a slideshow of photos from the previous year, an honor guard and an invocation from Deputy Kevin Anderson. 

Snaza then led the officers and guests in attendance in a moment of silence for the 129 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2015, including Chehalis Police Officer Rick Silva. 

During his opening statements, Snaza also took a moment to thank deputies’ families, volunteers and others in the community who are involved with the Sheriff’s Office. 

“You are all who make us who we are,” he said. 

Snaza spoke about efforts to create unity between the corrections and patrol divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.

Both patrol deputies and corrections officers attended the event — all dressed in the same uniforms. In past years, Snaza said, they wore different uniforms, creating a division between the groups. 

He also spoke about the decision to combine training programs for corrections and patrol divisions. 

Undersheriff Wes Rethwill also spoke, thanking staff for welcoming him in his first year at the Sheriff’s Office after leaving the Washington State Patrol. He said working at the Sheriff’s Office made him excited to come to work again after 29 years in law enforcement. 

“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family,” he said. 

Snaza handed out a number of awards recognizing citizens and Sheriff’s Office personnel.

“If I could give an award to all of you, I would,” he said. 

Snaza honored Cameron Church and his girlfriend, Skyler Grimes, with a Citizen Service Medal for rescuing a woman trapped in a car sinking in floodwaters on Nov. 14 on state Route 131 in Randle. 

He also announced a citizen recognition for Leonard “Lee” A. Barkie for assistance with a boat. 

Snaza gave Aiden Readman, 12, a Certificate of Bravery and Courage for calling 911 to help his mother when she was being assaulted. 

Next, Snaza started giving out employee of the year awards. He began by thanking his command staff for their hard work. 

“We’ve really put a lot of pressure on this team to be successful,” he said. 

Corrections Sgt. Joyce McCoy was named Corrections 2015 Employee of the Year. Other nominated corrections employees included Tawnya Scharber, Kevin Schultz, Vern West, Curtis Lamping and Andrea Lowe.

Ramona Romine was awarded the  Support Staff 2015 Employee of the Year for Corrections. 

Debra Hensley was awarded the Support Staff  2015 Employee of the Year. Tamira Shields was also nominated. 

Deputy Justin Rodgers was awarded the Field Operations 2015  Employee of the Year. Tyson Brown was also nominated. 

Rodgers was also given a Top Performer Award for Field Operations. Acting Sgt. Curt Spahn and Skylar Eastman were also nominated. 

Curt Lamping and Craig Klumper were both awarded the Top Performer Award for Corrections. Tawnya Scharber and Sean Heppe were also nominated.

Snaza also recognized 17 employees for taking no sick leave in 2015.

Corrections officer Bill Wood and Detective Gene Seiber were given the Guardian Award. 

Snaza also recognized Detective Tom Callas’ retirement with a Distinguished Service Medal.