Three CCSO professionals honored at Hometown Heroes 2024 Awards Gala in Ocala

Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), September 9, 2024

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, three Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) professionals were honored at the (seventh-annual) Hometown Heroes 2024 Awards Gala at the Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala, Florida, presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Marion County, and Hiers-Baxley Community Care

Each professional honored was nominated for their outstanding service to their community. The Hometown Heroes Gala celebrates and honors local heroes who have made significant impacts in their community. The local heroes and their outstanding service is detailed below:

Sergeant Chris Dearden, K9 Unit

Sergeant Dearden began his career with the CCSO in 2002. After several years as Deputy Sheriff, he was selected to join the K-9 Unit, teaming up with K-9 Tyson in 2007. This duo assisted in multiple criminal cases, from tracking and apprehending suspects to locating narcotics during traffic enforcement. Following K-9 Tyson's retirement in 2015, Sergeant Dearden embraced the challenge of working with a different K-9 style by partnering with a bloodhound, Ally, who is trained in scent article searches, primarily used to find endangered adults and children. Sergeant Dearden has responded to thousands of calls throughout his career as a K-9 handler, working diligently to locate and apprehend subjects and to find missing individuals, reuniting them with their families. His commitment has been evident from his attention to detail and dedication to Citrus County residents.

Deputy Shade Carter

In May of 2023, CCSO Deputy Shade Carter was dispatched to an unresponsive one-month-old infant. Information gathered by communications officers showed that the infant was not breathing, and there were no previously known medical issues. Deputy Carter quickly responded to the address and learned that the infant was still not breathing and did not have a pulse. He remained focused in the chaotic situation and began to administer CPR. After cycling through the CPR compression and rescue breaths, the infant began breathing again. Deputy Carter held the infant and maintained an open airway until Citrus County Fire Rescue arrived. The rapid response and quick call to action by Deputy Carter saved the infant's life.

Communications Officer Brian Lepper

In May of 2024, Tallahassee, Florida was hit by severe weather, causing widespread damage and interrupting 9-1-1 services in the area. During this time, Communications Officer Lepper was working an overnight shift when he received a phone call from a distressed family in Citrus County. They reported that their daughter had been in a serious car accident in Tallahassee, sustaining severe injuries, and was unable to contact 9-1-1 for help due to power outages throughout 75% of the city. Communications Officer Lepper quickly took action, working diligently to reach first responders and provide the necessary information to get help to the scene - over 150 miles from Citrus County. He collected crash information, callback numbers, and pertinent information, ensuring the family he would get their daughter help. Communications Officer Lepper worked relentlessly to reach emergency services in Tallahassee while still managing calls for service in our jurisdiction. Communications Officer Lepper continued to follow up with the family and ensure Tallahassee emergency services contacted everyone involved in the crash.

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"I am exceptionally proud of the epic display of selfless service highlighted by the individuals honored at the Hometown Heroes Gala," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Each individual has proven to be instrumental to our team, demonstrating excellence in public safety. The unparalleled commitment of Sergeant Dearden, Deputy Carter, and Communications Officer Lepper is exceptionally outstanding, and each plays a critical role in our community. Congratulations to all."