Commendations & Awards
Deputy Alejandro Agosto & Deputy David Morisak
On September 11, 2025, while Deputy Alejandro Agosto was working his shift at the Summit County Jail, an inmate called on the emergency box and stated that his razor was not working. Deputy Agosto thought the call was odd and alerted Deputy David Morisak to check on this inmate. Deputy Morisak arrived at the inmate’s cell and found him with a broken razor in his hand and multiple self-inflicted cuts on his arm and neck. He talked the inmate into dropping the razor and provided medical attention until the nursing staff arrived. Due to their scrutiny, quick response, and medical attention, the inmate survived. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Agosto and Morisak with Certificates of Appreciation.
Deputy Curtis Flaviani & Deputy Kenneth Crawford
On October 13, 2025, Deputies Curtis Flaviani and Kenneth Crawford were approached by a male who was having difficulty breathing. They quickly realized the male was choking. Deputy Flaviani began the Heimlich maneuver as Deputy Crawford called dispatch and requested EMS. After several thrusts the obstruction was dislodged from the male’s airway and he was able to breathe again. The deputies’ quick thinking and teamwork saved this individual’s life. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Flaviani and Crawford with Lifesaving Awards.
Deputy Aung Oo
On May 24, 2025, while conducting a round during his shift at the Summit County Jail, Deputy Aung Oo observed an inmate hanging from her bunk from her bunk. He quickly called out over the emergency radio, entered the cell, and removed the noose from the inmate’s neck. The inmate regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital where she made a full recovery. Deputy Oo’s immediate response and actions taken saved the inmate’s life. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Oo with a Lifesaving Award.
Deputy Terrell Kemp & Deputy Shawn Brady
On September 26, 2025, Deputies Terrell Kemp and Shawn Brady conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling eastbound on Archwood Avenue in Akron. The driver had active warrants and was acting suspicious, so he was detained and K-9 Marlo was deployed. He quickly alerted deputies to the scent of narcotics at the driver’s side door. The deputies searched the vehicle and found 49 grams of cocaine under the driver’s seat and $1,470 in cash. As a result of Deputies Kemp and Brady’s diligence, professionalism, and tactical awareness, a significant amount of drugs were removed from the community. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Kemp and Brady with Commendations.
Deputy Charles Dana
On April 14, 2025, Deputy Charles Dana was working as a float in several Akron Public Schools. While speaking to a staff member at one of the schools, he was standing near the security X-ray machine and noticed the shape of a gun on the screen in one of the bags that a student brought into the school earlier that day. Deputy Dana asked staff for security footage and began checking multiple lockers and backpacks until he located the 9mm handgun. Deputy Dana’s attention to detail and quick response helped to locate and remove the weapon and potentially avert a tragedy. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Dana a Commendation.
Deputy Curtis Flaviani & Matthew Robinson
On June 17, 2025, while on patrol along Arlington Road, Deputy Curtis Flaviani came across an elderly woman who had collapsed in the parking lot of Bob Evans. He started chest compressions and grabbed an AED from his cruiser. The AED assessed the female and advised to use CPR. Deputy Matthew Robinson arrived on scene and began assisting Deputy Flaviani. Both Deputies continued CPR until Green EMS responded and took over. Due to the deputies’ quick response, teamwork and lifesaving measures, the woman survived the incident. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Flaviani and Deputy Robinson with Lifesaving Awards.
Deputy Terrell Kemp, Deputy Shawn Brady, Deputy Kyle Martin & Sergeant Garrett Patterson
On January 26, 2025, a vehicle was detected on FLOCK camera at S. Arlington Road and I-77 that had earlier fled a traffic stop made by Akron Police. Deputies Terrell Kemp and Shawn Brady located the vehicle in Wendy’s parking lot on S. Arlington and boxed it in to limit the chances of escape. As Sergeant Patterson and Deputy Kyle Martin arrived, the driver attempted to escape by ramming Deputy Kemp’s cruiser multiple times. The deputies and sergeant established a tactical perimeter around the vehicle making sure that no one was in a potential crossfire. As they attempted to communicate with the driver, they realized that she was not in a healthy state of mind. Deputy Kemp broke the driver’s side window and Deputy Brady removed her from the vehicle. She was taken into custody without further incident. Thanks to their training, teamwork, and quick thinking, they were able to prevent the driver from harming anyone or herself. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Kemp, Brady, and Martin, and Sergeant Patterson with Commendations.
Deputy Dustin Flitcraft & Lieutenant Doug Schwalbach
On February 25, 2025, an Akron Police transport van arrived in the Summit County Jail with a male inmate. The Akron officer advised Deputy Dustin Flitcraft that the male had become unconscious and was foaming at the mouth and that he contacted Akron EMS. Deputy Flitcraft relayed this information to Lt. Doug Schwalbach who called medical staff and directed them to the sally port. Deputy Flitcraft and Nurse Heldman responded and it was clear the individual was experiencing an acute medical emergency. Deputy Flitcraft assisted in removing the inmate from the van and medical treatment was immediately started. Five doses of Narcan were administered before the inmate became responsive. When Akron EMS arrived, they assumed custody of the individual and transported him to the hospital. Due to the swift response and quick thinking of Deputy Flitcraft and Lt. Schwalbach, the inmate survived the incident. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Flitcraft and Lt. Schwalbach with Certificates of Appreciation.
Deputy Hunter DeVictor
On April 5, 2025, Deputy Hunter DeVictor was off duty when he noticed a male lying unconscious in the middle of an on-ramp to I-76. Deputy DeVictor instructed one of his passengers to call 911 while he responded to the individual. The male was unresponsive and Deputy DeVictor immediately began chest compressions until Akron EMTs arrived. Deputy DeVictor stayed with the team and relayed all information to Akron Police. It was later determined that the individual was driving impaired and had jumped from his moving vehicle. Due to Deputy DeVictor’s quick response and actions, the individual is alive today. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy DeVictor with a Lifesaving Award.
Deputy Terrell Kemp and K-9 Marlo
On August 16, 2025, Akron Police requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit to help search for a male suspect who committed an armed robbery at a convenience store. The suspect fled on foot into a wooded area. Deputy Kemp deployed K-9 Marlo to track the suspect who emerged from the woods and began to run, ignoring verbal commands to stop. K-9 Marlo apprehended the suspect who was handcuffed and patted down by Deputy Kemp. A handgun was found in his waistband. For their quick response, proficiency, and skill, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Kemp and K-9 Marlo with a Commendation.
Deputy Robert Bowen & K-9 Nero
On March 24, 2025, New Franklin Police requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit to track an elderly male with a medical condition that effected his memory and cognition. The night was cold and the man’s welfare was a major concern. Deputy Bowen deployed K-9 Nero to track the man, who eventually located him behind a wall laying under a bush. The man was unable to stand without assistance, and likely would not have made it through the cold night. He was transported to the hospital by New Franklin EMTs and survived the incident. For their quick response and resolve, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Bowen and K-9 Nero with Lifesaving Awards.
Deputy Ryan Knight & Deputy Stephen Cagaric
On April 23, 2025, while returning from an inmate transfer, Deputies Stephen Cagaric and Ryan Knight observed a female lying partially in the roadway appearing to be in medical distress. Deputy Knight took control of her head and neck area to prevent additional injury, and Deputy Cagaric checked the woman’s purse for identification. Deputy Cagaric found two doses of Narcan in the woman’s purse which he quickly administered. The woman eventually regained consciousness as EMS arrived. Due to Deputies’ Knight and Cagaric’s quick response, teamwork, and lifesaving measures, the woman survived the incident. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Cagaric and Knight with Lifesaving Awards.
Deputy Starr Crago
On February 21, 2025, while working in intake at the Summit County Jail, Deputy Starr Crago was inventorying property belonging to a male inmate. When Deputy Crago went to power off a cell phone belonging to the inmate, she noticed a picture on the phone that was criminal in nature. Deputy Crago alerted supervisors who contacted the Detective Bureau. A search warrant was executed and the phone was found to contain multiple images of child pornography. Due to Deputy Crago’s attention to detail and recognition of possible criminal images, additional child pornography charges were filed against the individual. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Crago with a Commendation.
Deputy Thomas Fickes
On April 16th, 2025, Deputy Thomas Fickes was working at the metal detector at the main entrance to the County Courthouse. An individual entered the Courthouse carrying a backpack and placed it on the conveyor belt of the x-ray machine at the security desk. As the backpack moved through the machine, Deputy Fickes observed what appeared to be a pistol inside of it. He quickly took possession of the backpack and the pistol. The individual was summoned to Akron Municipal Court and charged with carrying a firearm into the Courthouse. It was later discovered that the individual was on his way to a domestic hearing with the firearm. Deputy Fickes’ attention to detail and swift reaction could have prevented a tragedy that day. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded him with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Deputy Tobi Jenkins
On July 31, 2025, Deputy Tobi Jenkins was working her shift at the Summit County Jail, monitoring the video feeds of inmates who were on suicide precautions and those who had made threats towards deputies and staff. Deputy Jenkins noticed an inmate who had fashioned a bed sheet into a noose and was attempting to hang herself. She immediately alerted the other deputies and they responded, removing the noose and calling medical staff. Due to Deputy Jenkins’ attentiveness and quick response, the inmate survived and made a full recovery. Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputy Jenkins with a Certificate of Merit.
Sergeant Cucuz, Deputy LeAna Cudzilo, & Deputy Patrick Hunt
On October 30, 2024, Sgt. Milorad Cucuz, Deputy LeAna Cudzilo, and Deputy Patrick Hunt were called to a house fire in Coventry Township. Deputy Cudzilo arrived first and found an elderly female outside who was suffering from severe burns. The woman told Deputy Cudzilo that her two teenage grandchildren were still inside the home. She stayed with the woman and obtained information about the layout of the home and location of the children. Meanwhile, Sgt. Cucuz and Deputy Hunt made multiple attempts to gain entry into the home, but the intense smoke and fire impeded their efforts. Deputies Hunt and Cudzilo provided medical care to the grandmother until EMTs arrived, and Deputy Cudzilo gave firefighters the details obtained from the grandmother as to the layout of the home and location of the two teens. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the deputies and firefighters, neither of the children survived. During the incident, Sgt. Cucuz and Deputy Hunt disregarded their own safety in an attempt to save others, and Deputy Cudzilo’s quick thinking allowed firefighters to respond to the best of their ability to try to save those inside. For their courage, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded them with Certificates of Merit.
Sgt. Cucuz and Deputy Hunt made multiple attempts to gain entry into the home, but the intense smoke and fire impeded their efforts. Deputy Hunt provided medical care to an elderly family member who escaped the fire but was severely burned. Unfortunately, despite their efforts the two teenagers tragically never made it out of the house. During the incident, Sergeant Cucuz and Deputy Hunt disregarded their own safety to save others, and for their courage Sheriff Fatheree has awarded them with Certificates of Merit.
Deputy Terrell Kemp, Deputy Shawn Brady, & Sergeant Corin Usinski
On July 4, 2025, Deputy Terrell Kemp initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle. The male driver fled the stop but Deputies Kemp and Shawn Brady located the vehicle which had crashed, and the male subject was fleeing on foot. Sgt. Corin Usinski and Deputies Kemp and Brady were alerted by dispatch that a male matching the description of the suspect had just committed a burglary. Upon arriving at the residence, the deputies found that the suspect had barricaded himself inside the bathroom and was possibly armed. Deputy Kemp and Sergeant Usinski communicated with the subject for approximately an hour using de-escalating techniques, while Deputies Brady and Michael Kuzas set a perimeter outside of the residence. The suspect eventually surrendered without incident. Due to their actions and skill, Deputies Kemp and Brad and Sgt. Usinski have received Commendation Awards from Sheriff Fatheree.
Lieutenant Jeffrey Hemsley
Jeff Hemsley is the Administrative Lieutenant assigned to the Summit County Jail. His responsibilities are vast, including working with dozens of contractors, reviewing equipment purchases, inventorying items assigned to deputies and staff, interacting with jail inspectors, and so much more. Much of the credit for our recent 100% passage of our jail inspection is due to Lt. Hemsley’s year-round efforts at ensuring that standards are being met – right down to water temperature monitoring and lightbulb changing. Lt. Hemsley also coordinated the massive painting project that is still underway throughout the jail, revitalizing the appearance on pods and inside housing units.
In addition to his daily duties at the jail, Lt. Hemsley also commands the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. He coordinates with Patrol and the Detective Bureau, having his evidence technicians process all evidence collected at crime scenes. Lt. Hemsley has been commended by Sheriff Fatheree for his many contributions and his hard work and has received an Office Citation.
Special Deputy William McKinney
On April 27, 2025, an employee at Blossom Music Center who worked alongside our deputies for many years suffered a broken leg while on the job. The gentleman was treated for his injury but had nobody at home to check in on him in his immobilized condition due to family living out of state and his mother being elderly and unable to travel. When Special Deputy Bill McKinney learned that the gentleman had not received any care for four days, he went to his home to help him. It quickly became clear to Deputy McKinney that the gentleman needed more significant medical care and perhaps should not have been released yet. Deputy McKinney drove him to the hospital, where medical staff agreed with his assessment and admitted him for further treatment. Deputy McKinney conferred with the physician and nursing staff, relaying his concerns about the gentleman’s lack of care at home, and he was able to get him admitted to a rehabilitation facility upon his release from the hospital. After a week and a half at the facility and working with physical therapists, the gentleman was released. Deputy McKinney again provided him transport home, and continued to visit with him several more times and take him to and from follow-up doctors appointments over the next few weeks. The gentleman was ultimately able to return to the job that he loves so much before the summer concert season ended. Special Deputy McKinney’s concern, assistance, and follow-through with medical professionals assured that the gentleman not only recovered from his injury, but did so with dignity and with a friend by his side. For this, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded him with a Certificate of Merit.
Deputy Michael Casper & Deputy Matson Lance
Deputies Casper and Lance serve as Trusty Deputies at the Summit County Jail where they work with “trusty inmates” who assist with certain tasks throughout the jail and in exchange for their assistance and good behavior are considered for lesser sentences. Deputies Casper and Lance have worked tirelessly over the course of the past year-plus as part of an ongoing effort of revitalizing the appearance and functionality of the jail. Their commitment to doing the job right, their high standards, and their work ethic are a positive example not only to staff but also to inmates. Deputies Casper and Lance not only complete assigned tasks, but they also seek out projects and execute them with thoroughness. For their professionalism, work ethic, proactiveness, and diligence, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded Deputies Casper and Lance with Certificates of Appreciation.3
Abbey Leonard, Vicky Surber, & Sara Filomena
The Registrars serve as a hub within the Summit County Jail, working directly with the Common Pleas Court, municipal courts, other law enforcement agencies, alternative sentencing facilities, clerks of court, and more. They document booking and release information for every inmate, ensure that each inmate is seen by the appropriate court, update charges and court information, prepare release paperwork, enter sentencing information for those sentenced to prison, prepare bonds, and more.
Abbey Leonard began supervising the Registrars Department on February 17, 2025, overseeing an enormous workload with a small staff (on average, around 10,000 inmates are booked each year at the Summit County Jail). Abbey sits with her staff, works alongside them every day helping them with daily responsibilities, and teaches them by explaining the “why” behind their many tasks. She shows them what true leadership looks like.
Vicky Surber began as a Registrar on February 27, 2023, and Sara Filomena began on August 26, 2024. They work under the supervision of Abbey and have been foundational to the steadfast function of the Registrars Office for the past year. Both Vicky and Sara show up to work every day ready to take on any responsibility asked of them, not only tackling their own workloads, but also training new hires and showing them the ropes.
For their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to take on challenging tasks and teach new staff, Sheriff Fatheree has awarded them with Certificates of Appreciation.