Commendations & Awards
Deputy Curtis Flaviani
On October 20, 2023, Deputy Curtis Flaviani was patrolling Northfield Center Township and came across an individual outside the Northfield Library that he had arrested earlier in the month. During interaction with the subject, Deputy Flaviani discovered the subject was homeless and living out of his vehicle. Library personnel had asked for the subject’s vehicle to be moved from the property, but the vehicle had at least one flat tire. Deputy Flaviani contacted supervision asking if he could help the male by giving him clothing he had with him to help keep the subject warm. Deputy Flaviani took the subject to Walmart and purchased the male food and clothing using his own money. Deputy Flaviani did not stop there, he met with representatives from Northfield Tire, advising them of the situation. Northfield Tire offered to donate two new tires with installation so the subject could get his vehicle mobile again. Deputy Flaviani stated the subject did not have good shoes to wear as winter was approaching and wanted to buy new shoes for this individual. His supervisor gave him some old shoes to give to the subject since they wore the same size.
In addition to this situation, Deputy Flaviani often spends his spare time on shift at Pinewood Garden apartments in Twinsburg Township playing football with the juveniles in the area. Recently, Deputy Flaviani gave a ride to school for a 12-year-old who lives in these apartments after he missed the bus. The child’s mother works during the time the bus arrives, often leaving the child with no ride to school. Not only did Deputy Flaviani drive the juvenile to school, but he also stopped and purchased breakfast for the child on the way.
Deputy Flaviani exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. He goes above and beyond showing kindness and generosity to others, and because of his willingness to do so, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Flaviani with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Deputies Jordan Larson, Brandon Cutright, Robert McCutcheon, & Sergeant Frank Vottero
On October 31, 2023, at approximately 1424 hours, an inmate alerted staff that something didn’t look right in cell #51 on unit 2-C. Deputies entered the cell and found an inmate unresponsive and hanging from the bottom of his bunk. A suicide attempt was called out and Deputy Robert McCutcheon responded after retrieving the 911 tool and passing it off to Deputy Brandon Cutright who was positioned next to the inmate. Deputy Cutright used the tool to remove the noose around the inmate’s neck as Sergeant Vottero lifted the inmate’s body to relieve the tension of the noose around his neck. Deputy Jordan Larson began sternum rubs and administered chest compressions to the inmate. The inmate began to breathe as medical staff arrived on scene. EMS arrived and transported the inmate to the hospital for further evaluation. Because of the Deputies' quick response and teamwork, the inmate survived this incident. These Deputies, along with Sergeant Vottero, have been recognized by Sheriff Fatheree with a Life Saving Award.
Deputy Joey Salser
On October 26, 2023, at approximately 0511 hours, New Franklin Police Department requested assistance with a fatal motorcycle crash in their jurisdiction. The female occupant was found deceased; however, the male driver had fled the scene on foot. Deputy Joey Salser, a Summit County Sheriff’s Office Drone Operator responded to the scene after another neighboring agency sent up a drone attempting to locate the male, but the battery in their drone died. Deputy Salser quickly sent up his drone and was able to locate the male using thermal imaging through the woods. The subject was taken to an awaiting EMS squad and transported to the hospital for the injuries he sustained. Deputy Salser has been recognzied by Sheriff Fatheree with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Deputy James Hipp
On February 1, 2024, at approximately 2331 hours, Deputy Hipp was conducting extra patrols at Nimisila Lakes boat launch area. Deputy Hipp located an occupied vehicle parked near the boat ramp. Deputy Hipp contacted the male driver who stated he came to that location to commit suicide, and that he had a pack of razor blades in his pocket. The male did have a prior suicide attempt and Deputy Hipp was able to convince him to speak with him and relinquish the razor blades. Green Fire Department arrived on scene, assessed the male and transported him to a local hospital for further treatment. The actions of Deputy Hipp and his vigilance prevented the male from ending his life. Deputy Hipp has been awarded Commendation from Sheriff Fatheree.
Deputy Patrick Jordan
On February 10, 2024, while in an off-duty status Deputy Patrick Jordan observed a vehicle that was a suspect vehicle in multiple storage unit break-ins in Sheriff’s Office patrol districts and Uniontown area. Deputy Jordan called his Sergeant advising him of his location and what he had observed. As Deputy Jordan updated his location, multiple patrol units responded to the area. Deputy Jordan saw a Uniontown Police Department Officer and flagged him down in which the Uniontown Officer conducted a traffic stop. Uniontown Police reviewed video footage from break-ins in their jurisdiction and were able to identify the male as the suspect in the incidents. The subject was taken into custody for pending charges and later added charges. Because of Deputy Jordan’s attention to detail, even while off-duty, a suspected burglar was arrested and identified for further investigation of additional burglaries. Sheriff Fatheree has recognized Deputy Jordan with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Sergeant Dan Horba, Lt. Jim Rimedio, Sgt. Chris Kline, Sgt. Corin Usinski, Sgt. Larry Peters, Sgt. Andrew Kish, Detective Robert Perkins, Deputies Chris Klopfenstein, Jason Ruggles, Tim and Terry Pike, Chris Gary, Bailey Woodyard, Samuel Kalapodis, John Lombardi, Brian Gorham, Raymond Goclano, Tamuz Haffar, Faith Delorso, Benjamin Asiedu, Dominick D’Agostino, Josh Gruelle, Caleb Graber, Cory MacAdam, Eslie Johnson, James Leonti, & Steve Klopfenstein
On Thursday, March 11, 2024, Logan County Ohio was struck with several tornadoes. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency after the storms touched down in this area. On Friday, March 15, 2024, Sheriff Dodds of Logan County Sheriff’s Office requested mutual aid. Beginning Friday, March 15, 2024 and continuing through March 21, 2024, Summit County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Detective, and supervisory staff responded to Logan County, Ohio to assist with tasks, respond to calls for service, and preserve order in the storm damaged area. Summit County Deputy staff assisted with conducting welfare checks of citizens, extra patrol of the areas effected by the storm, conducted traffic control, and escorted other emergency services through this storm ridden area. Deputy staff assisted in the recovery of victims who were trapped and/or deceased, and intervened with looters, domestic situations, and fights. With the assistance of these individuals from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Logan County personnel were able to tend to the emergency issues created by the storms. These individuals have been recognized by Sheriff Fatheree with Certificates of Appreciation.
Deputy Curtis Flaviani
On March 23, 2024, at approximately 1516 hours, Deputies were dispatched to a domestic violence call in Northfield Center Township in Northfield, Ohio. Upon arrival and investigation from Deputy staff, both parties were arrested for Domestic Violence. Deputy Curtis Flaviani transported the female to the District Office and during transport, the female stated she needed medical attention and became unresponsive. Deputy Flaviani pulled into the office parking lot, tried speaking to the female and received no response. Deputy Flaviani gave sternum rubs to the female. She gained consciousness momentarily but quickly became unresponsive again. The subject was administered one dose of Narcan as Twinsburg Fire EMS was arriving on scene. The subject regained consciousness in the squad and they transported the subject to Cleveland Clinic for further treatment. Due to Deputy Flaviani’s quick response to the medical needs of the subject, he has been recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation by Sheriff Fatheree.
Deputy Dylan Skamer
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 1017 hours, 911 was called for a male sitting inside his vehicle at a gas station in the City of Green. Deputy Dylan Skamer arrived on scene and attempted to get a response from the individual who was not responding and slumped over. The doors on the vehicle were locked and Deputy Skamer could not gain access, so he broke out the driver’s side window. Deputy Skamer administered two doses of Narcan prior to Green Fire arriving on scene in which the subject became alert and conscious. Once on scene, Green Fire transported the subject to Summa Green for further evaluation. Due to Deputy Skamer’s quick response and intervention, Sheriff Fatheree has recognized him with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Deputy El Ser, Deputy Eslie Johnson, Nurse Erin Braybon & Nurse Shanita Jones
On May 3, 2024, at approximately 1945 hours, an inmate was brought into the sallyport at the Summit County Jail. The inmate had been transported from Akron City Hospital where he refused treatment for an overdose that happened earlier that day. Once in the sallyport of the jail, the inmate became unresponsive in the back of the cruiser and Deputy and medical staff rushed to help. Deputies El Ser and Eslie Johnson, along with Nurses Erin Braybon and Shanita Jones arrived on scene. The inmate was removed from the back seat of the cruiser, restraints were removed, and he was placed on the ground. The inmate had a weak pulse and was unconscious. He was given three doses of Narcan as the Deputies and Nurses performed chest compressions, utilized an AED, and operated a resuscitation bag. Akron Fire responded to the jail, continued treatment on the inmate, and transported him to the hospital for further treatment and evaluation. Deputies Ser and Johnson, and Nurses Braybon and Jones' quick response and actions led to a positive outcome for the inmate, and they have been recognized by Sheriff Fatheree with a Life Saving Award.
Deputy Dominick D'Agostino
On August 25, 2024, at approximately 0130 hours, Deputy D’Agostino was assigned to the booking window at the Summit County Jail. An arresting agency brought in a male inmate with two other prisoners in a transport van. Upon arrival, Deputy D’Agostino began asking the inmate questions about potential items he may have on his person. After a short time of asking questions and prior to unhandcuffing the inmate, Deputy D’Agostino began to pat the inmate down and discovered a loaded firearm in the inmate’s waistband. Deputy D’Agostino safely removed the firearm and turned it over to the arresting agency. Because of Deputy D’Agostino’s questioning, attention to detail, and thorough pat down, a potential tragedy inside the jail was able to be diverted when he located the loaded firearm. Sheriff Fatheree has recognized Deputy D’Agostino with a Commendation.
Deputies Caleb Graber & Kenneth Rupert
On August 1, 2024, at approximately 1227 hours, an inmate hit the emergency button and stated he was going to commit suicide. Deputy Rupert found the inmate unresponsive, purple in color, and hanging from a pipe underneath the sink. Deputy Graber entered the cell, both deputies lifted the inmate off the ground and removed the noose from around his neck. The Deputies performed sternum rubs until the medical staff arrived in which the inmate became responsive and was checked and cleared by medical staff. The subject was relocated to the mental health housing unit for closer evaluation. Because of Deputy Graber and Deputy Rupert’s quick response and life saving measures, the inmate survived the incident. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Graber and Rupert with Life Saving Awards.
Sgt. Michael Lopez, Deputy Robert Bowen, & Deputy Lucas Dies
On May 16, 2024, Stow Police made a call for assistance in locating a male who had taken a vehicle and fled their area with a 4-month-old child who was not in a car seat. The male had fresh charges for Domestic Violence, Interference with Custody, and Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle. Sgt. Michael Lopez located the vehicle traveling 77 on northbound near S. Arlington Road and initiated a traffic stop. Deputy Robert Bowen assisted with the traffic stop and provided cover on the vehicle while Sgt. Lopez ordered the male out of the car. The male failed to comply with orders to step out of the vehicle. Deputy Dies who was returning from training overheard the escalating situation over the radio and responded to the scene. Sgt. Lopez ordered Deputy Bowen and Deputy Dies to block the vehicle to prevent the suspect from fleeing and putting the child in further danger. Deputies approached the driver’s door. The male driver was holding the child and would not give the child over. Deputies continued to talk to the suspect, and through their diligent efforts the male finally gave up the child. The Stow Police Department showed up on scene with the child’s mother and the child was safely reunited with her. The male was taken into custody and was transported to jail without further incident. Sgt. Lopez, Deputy Bowen and Deputy Dies have received Certificates of Appreciation from Sheriff Fatheree for their coordinated response to this high stress situation that resulted in a positive outcome.
Deputy Scott Dodez
On September 6, 2024, at approximately 1250 hours, Deputy Scott Dodez was working at Akron Public Health at the front desk. Deputy Dodez noticed a man who walked into the restroom and stayed there for quite some time. Deputy Dodez checked on the male and received no response, along with the door being locked. Deputy Dodez was able to force the door open and observed the male lying on the floor, blue in color with a faint pulse. Deputy Dodez administered one dose of Narcan and the male did not respond but had labored breathing. Deputy Dodez administered another dose of Narcan and sternum rubs, and the male became somewhat alert and conscious. Akron Fire arrived on scene and transported the male to the hospital where he fully recovered. Due to Deputy Dodez’s quick reaction, situational awareness, and life saving steps, the male survived the incident. Sheriff Fatheree has recognized Deputy Dodez with a Life Saving Award.
Deputy Matthew Kaczmarek
On September 12, 2024, at approximately 1400 hours, Deputy Matthew Kaczmarek was conducting a key tour round on a housing unit. Deputy Kaczmarek was alerted by a member of the cleanup crew to check on an inmate in one of the cells. Upon arriving at the cell door, Deputy Kaczmarek found the inmate lying on the floor, blue in color, unresponsive, and a towel tied around his neck. Deputy Kaczmarek removed the towel from the inmate’s neck and the inmate began to breathe. Medical staff responded for follow up and the inmate was transported to a local hospital where he made a full recovery. If it was not for Deputy Kaczmarek’s quick response, the inmate may not have survived. Deputy Kaczmarek is being recognized by Sheriff Fatheree with a Life Saving Award.
Sgt. Corin Usinski
On September 6, 2024, a vehicle struck a pedestrian at Blossom Music Center and left the scene. The victim suffered what appeared to be life threatening injuries. Sgt. Usinski was assigned as the lead investigator for the Crash Team. He processed the scene and obtained evidence. Numerous people called in with information regarding the crash. Sgt Usinski followed up with over 15 leads in addition to his primary job responsibilities as a shift supervisor for patrol. He resorted to using flock cameras and eventually located a potential suspect vehicle in Louisville, Kentucky. Sgt. Usinski requested the assistance of Louisville Police Department in responding to the residence where they located a vehicle with damage to the driver’s side headlight area. On September 12th, Sgt. Usinski contacted the driver of the vehicle who admitted to being at Blossom Music Center on September 6th. The driver was charged, and the victim was ultimately released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Sgt, Usinski is being recognized by Sheriff Fatheree with an Office Citation for his diligence and persistence to locate the vehicle and driver.
Deputy Ryan Miller
On April 25, 2024, Deputy Ryan Miller was working a housing unit at the Summit County Jail. At approximately 2252 hours, he went onto a housing pod to complete a round. Deputy Miller noticed an inmate laying on the floor inside their cell with a rope made from a sheet tied tightly around the inmate’s neck, and the inmate was purple in color. Deputy Miller called over the radio alerting other staff that he had a suicide attempt. He opened the cell door, removed the rope, and rendered aid. The inmate began to breathe on their own as medical staff was arriving on scene. Deputy Miller continued to monitor the inmate, keeping supervisory staff aware of her increasing disruptive and disorderly behavior. Due to Deputy Miller’s timeliness, attentiveness, and decisiveness during his security round, the inmate survived this attempt on their life. Deputy Miller has been recognized by Sheriff Fatheree with a Life Saving Award.
Deputy Kevin English
In April of 2024, Deputy Kevin English was awarded a position in Court Services working in Warrant Services. Since his appointment, Deputy English has worked tirelessly, conducting investigations and following leads in order to make contact with individuals with outstanding warrants in the community. During this time, Deputy English has gone to over 700 addresses and made over 145 Felony Warrant arrests. Because of Deputy English’s efforts to make our community safer, Sheriff Fatheree has recognized him with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Deputy Jason Ruggles
On August 22, 2024, Deputy Jason Ruggles was dispatched to the area of 77 South and Lauby Road in the City of Green for a man down on the side of the highway. Upon arrival, Deputy Ruggles found Mr. Paul Weitzel, 78-year-old man, unresponsive, not breathing, and with no pulse. Deputy Ruggles along with State Highway Patrol Lt. Kaitlan Kowicki, Trooper Anthony Whitacre, and Trooper Justin Smith performed CPR and applied an AED until Green EMS arrived on scene. Several bystanders also assisted in the life saving efforts, including Mr. Elijah Fernstrum. Sheriff Fatheree has gratefully acknowledged all those who participated in saving Mr. Weitzel’s life that afternoon.
Deputy Shawntell Kennedy
Detective Shawntell Kennedy came to work in Property and Evidence in 2021. As she began her assignment, she inherited over 10,000 pieces of evidence and property stored in multiple facilities. As she began learning her new roll, she was tasked to assist with the building and implementation of a new records management system for the Sheriff’s Office, which included ensuring the proper rehousing of all electronic records for every piece of property. This is an ongoing process that Detective Kennedy continues to maintain on a daily basis.
Since coming to the position, Detective Kennedy has overhauled the property room, upgrading storage for sexual assault kits, digital evidence and countless other pieces of evidence, making it easier for those who come after her. She works daily with judges, prosecutors, members of law enforcement and the public to ensure proper protocols have been put in place for the retention, release and destruction of property and execution of search warrants for better preparation for our court cases.
Detective Kennedy also attends to search warrants, missing persons, public disorder, and any other call out the Detective Bureau may encounter. There is simply no assignment to which she would say no. For over 23 years, Detective Kennedy has demonstrated the embodiment of professionalism for any job she has been assigned, always going above and beyond. She has made a lasting impact in the management of Property and continues to train others, striving to have all our staff be confident in their skills when dealing with her little known, yet incredibly vital position.
For her dedication and efforts Deputy Kennedy is being recognized with a Commendation by Sheriff Fatheree.
Chief Scott Cottle, Inspector Bill Holland, Sgt. Cathy Diesch, Lisa Horba, Kelly Pongracz, & Chuck Sweeney
Through coordinated efforts the Summit County Sheriff’s Office was able to plan and conduct the first Fugitive Safe Surrender in over a decade from August 7 through August 10, 2024 at the House of the Lord Church in Akron. Fugitive Safe Surrender provided the opportunity for people with active warrants to voluntarily surrender in exchange for the possibility of favorable consideration on resolving their case. The event resulted in 339 felony and misdemeanor warrants being cleared, as well as several resolutions for suspended driver’s licenses and parole violations. In order to make this event a success, countless meetings and hundreds of hours of planning were required by Sheriff's Office staff, on top of their daily job demands.
Detective Robert Perkins, Detective Jason Kline, and Detective Dan Cuckler
On June 20th, 2024, one of the Detectives at the Sheriff's Office began feeling unwell. Excusing himself to the restroom to splash water on his face, he returned to his desk appearing pale and sweaty. Fellow Detectives Robert Perkins and Jason Kline recognized signs of a possible heart attack. They spoke with the ill Detective and convinced him to seek immediate medical attention. Detective Perkins was able to get the Detective to EMS personnel who recognized the signs and immediately transported him to the emergency room. After tests were complete, the Detective was found to be having a heart attack with 100% blockage of an artery. Detective Perkins stayed with him as he learned had to undergo emergency surgery, with an additional surgery one month later.
When the Detective Bureau Captain received news of her colleague's heart attack, she opted to quickly come into work that day, despite having put in for a vacation day. While driving downtown, she was talking on the phone to Detective Dan Cuckler who was providing her an update on the Detective medical status. During the call, she began to feel unwell and was only able to convey there was something wrong before losing the ability to communicate anything further. She was able to pull her vehicle to the side of the road before fully losing consciousness against the steering wheel.
Unaware of her location, Detective Cuckler stayed on the phone, went to his car and began attempting to ascertain her location. When she did regain consciousness, she was disoriented and had difficulty identifying her location. Detective Cuckler stayed on the phone as she described her surroundings, and he called for EMS. While awaiting their arrival, Detective Cuckler continued to talk to her in order to keep her conscious and calm. After arriving at the emergency room and having tests done, it was found that her heart was also not firing correctly. The doctors determined she needed surgery to install a pacemaker the following day, and warned that the next time her heart stopped it may not start again. Putting a team on standby, she had surgery just a floor below where her colleague was being treated. As a result of the surgery, she made a full recovery and was able to return to full duty.
For their recognition of the severity of these situations, their immediate responses and quick thinking, and their springing into action to assist their colleagues on that chaotic and frightful day, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Detectives Cuckler, Perkins, and Kline with Certificates of Appreciation.