Citizens and Officers Honored by Oakland County Sheriff’s Office During Annual Awards Ceremony
(OCSO, May 19, 2025)
Oakland County, MI – The exemplary works of Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies, staff and local citizens were celebrated, recognized and in one somber instance – memorialized – today during the National Peace Officers Day annual awards ceremony.
The honors included lifesaving and valor citations, citizen and community service awards, and the announcement of nine Sheriff’s Office ”Of the Year” recognitions.
The honorees were acknowledged and thanked before a standing-room only ceremony held in the Board of Commissioners Auditorium on the county campus in Pontiac.
“We thank you for stepping forward when it is much easier to stand still,” Undersheriff Timothy Willis said. An especially poignant moment of the program came when Deputy Bradley Reckling was posthumously honored with a valor citation. Reckling was fatally shot on June 22, 2024, while conducting surveillance on a stolen vehicle. Three suspects were ultimately arrested and charged in the homicide.
The valor citation read, in part: “He was a dedicated public servant, respected colleague, and above all, a loving husband and father of four His courage, professionalism, and selfless devotion to duty represent the highest ideals of law enforcement… His memory will forever stand as a testament to the courage and commitment of those who serve.” Sheriff Michael Bouchard was unable to attend today’s ceremony as he was attending a series of events in Washington D.C. during which Deputy Reckling was honored. Bouchard and 40 of Reckling’s colleagues were in attendance with Reckling’s widow.
The local ceremony was followed by a 21-gun salute from the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the playing of Taps, and Amazing Grace by a bagpiper to honor the many of the fallen law enforcement heroes from the past year. “Each and every day I am proud of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who suit up and go out willing to risk their lives to serve and protect our community,” Bouchard said from Washington. “During Police Week, it gives us a special opportunity to thank them and recognize their achievements.”
Local 4 News anchor Ty Steele was the master of ceremonies for the event. Community members and businesses honored today with Citizen Citations were:
• Naveyah Lemmon: An Orion Township resident employed as a K-9 handler with the Novi Police reported his K-9 missing from his yard. The OCSO promptly started a search for the dog. Meanwhile, a detective at the Orion Township Substation noticed a social media post from 17-year-old Naveyah Lemmon who found the dog, taken it to a veterinarian, and kept it safe in her home.
• Jamison Maynard: Maynard was attending a family Christmas party when a family member collapsed. Alongside his cousin, Sergeant Melissa Nations, he performed chest compressions and rescue breathing until emergency services arrived.
• Brandon Shaya: The owner of C.J. Mahoney’s in Rochester, Shaya is a longtime supporter of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and has extended his support in various ways, including providing food and beverages while the agency suffered through the grief of losing one of its own and in the aftermath of the Splash Pad shooting. Shaya also provided food to the motorcade as it traveled with the various candidates on the campaign trails during the presidential season.
• Sean Stockman: Stockman is a true community hero whose motto, “work hard, love strong,” is the driving force behind his service. He helps clean up properties of people in need, dedicating long hours and sweat equity into transforming and improving entire neighborhoods. All this is done for free, because Stockman loves his neighbors and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
• Larry McKenzie: McKenzie, of McKenzie Moving & Storage, was honored for his contributions and assistance with the Sheriff’s annual Coats for the Cold Coat Drive as well as in other community service efforts. Since 2015, McKenzie has donated the use of portable storage units for coat collection at several coat drive locations for the entire month of November. He donated storage containers during the bottle and can drive for the Sheriff PAL program during the height of the pandemic, as well as assisting with the transportation of collected bikes for the Sheriff’s Re-CYCLE for Kids program.
• Vibe Credit Union: Vibe Credit Union has teamed up with the Sheriff’s Office on many impactful projects, including free community document shredding events, the Soak N Summer waterpark event for kids, and the Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial Cookout. Vibe also sends its volunteers to charitable and community events around the county, building meaningful partnerships. They’re also working to make sure more people have access to stable housing, healthy food, and financial education.
• Christ Church Cranbrook: Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills puts faith into action through impactful outreach that meets real community needs. They support programs like Coats for the Cold and Cops N Cribs, partner with Versiti to host quarterly blood drives, and help fight food insecurity by serving meals at the Baldwin Center and Lighthouse Shelter.
• Waterfall Jewelers: This Waterford retailer gives back to local schools, churches, and civic groups, by donating gift certificates or jewelry for fundraising auctions. The staff shares its time, talents, and resources with various causes. A family-run business that just celebrated its 45th anniversary in the community has been dedicated to local charities for years.
• Brooke Blomberg: Blomberg, an off-duty registered nurse, was driving when she observed a male jogger grab his chest and collapse. She immediately stopped her car, called 911, and began CPR until help arrived. In a moment of crisis, she rushed to the aid of a stranger on the side of a busy road.
• Allyson Dale: Since August 2024, Dale raised over $20,000 in donations in cooperation with the Thomas Richards Foundation to buy six K9 ballistic vests for our K9 Unit. She worked diligently, without compensation, to raise funds for this life-saving equipment. She is also forming “The K9 Defense Fund,” a 501 (c)3 organization that will be dedicated to purchasing additional equipment for Oakland County K9s and other area agency K9 units
• Legion Barbecue: On Sept. 14, 2024, a barbecue fundraiser organized by the Legion Barbecue was held at the Berkley American Legion Post #374 to support the family of slain Deputy Bradley Reckling. Volunteers dedicated hundreds of hours to planning and preparing for the event. With over a thousand attendees, the event raised approximately $45,000 for the Reckling family.
• Olympia Entertainment – Mike Gibson: The Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit recognizes the generous support of Mike Gibson and Olympia Entertainment, whose contributions have provided the Motor Unit with a safe and controlled training environment at Pine Knob. This ideal location has allowed the unit to focus on training without external risks or limitations, ensuring that the training is both safe and effective. Their generosity has made a lasting impact on the Motor Unit’s ability to train without obstacles.
• Natalie Nellett: Nellett demonstrated exceptional work in cataloging the vast evidence in the Oxford High School shooting case. Her meticulous efforts were crucial in securing three convictions. Her dedication, precision, and professionalism in organizing and analyzing complex data ensured justice was served.
• Kara Obrecht: Obrecht demonstrated exceptional work in cataloging the vast evidence in the Oxford High School shooting case. Her meticulous efforts played a crucial role in securing three convictions. Kara’s dedication, precision, and professionalism in organizing and analyzing complex data were vital in ensuring justice was served.
Brooklands Splash Pad Shooting • On June 15, 2024, a lone gunman opened fire at the Brooklands Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, injuring 10 people, including several children. During this tragedy, local civilians stepped up and showed remarkable bravery and compassion. Before law enforcement arrived, these individuals, hearing or witnessing the attack, immediately stepped in to provide lifesaving first aid, including applying tourniquets and dressings. Some even drove victims in their personal vehicles to safety and called loved ones on their personal phones. Their quick thinking, selflessness, and courage in the face of danger undoubtedly saved lives. The following people each received a Citizen Citation for their extraordinary actions: Raymond Shaw II, Garland Whitney Jr., Stefanie Slate, Derek Slate, Nicole Boyd, Roseanna Martin, Eugene Bass, Antonio Bass, Haylee Koss, Kristopher Lockard, Thomas Schmidt, Melissa Natzke and Ashley Smith.
Selected for Sheriff’s Office “Of the Year” honors were:
Command Officer of the Year • Sergeant Joseph Ashley: Ashley was already well-known as a dependable and professional road sergeant when he responded to reports of an active shooter in Rochester Hills. During the Splashpad shooting incident, Ashley took control of the chaotic scene, administered lifesaving tourniquets to victims, and then transitioned seamlessly into the role of SWAT commander once the suspect was located. His leadership ensured a coordinated and efficient resolution to the incident.
Investigator of the Year • Detective Kyle Standifer: A member of the Narcotics Enforcement Team, Standifer demonstrates incredible dedication towards getting illicit substances off the street by relentlessly pursuing criminals. In 2024 he led NET in both search warrants and arrests, participating in major cases where firearms and significant quantities of drugs were seized. Standifer follows up each arrest in painstaking detail to strengthen cases and prevent further criminal activity.
Corrections Deputy of the Year • Deputy Ryan Lotan: Lotan is a stand-out Corrections Training Officer and member of both the Cell Extraction Team and SWAT. Lotan consistently performs at a high level and always seeks ways to improve the conditions of his colleagues. He is a role model for new deputies and is highly respected by his peers, providing a positive and productive work environment.
Patrol Deputy of the Year • Deputy Jeremy Berquist: Berquist has worked for the OCSO for eight years and is well known for his attitude and helping hand. He works the busy swing-shift in the Pontiac substation, dedicating his time to aiding his colleagues and the community. In 2024 he wrote 450 reports, the most out of any patrol deputy, personifying all the virtues required of law enforcement.
Communications Employee of the Year • Dispatch Specialist Shauna Bentley: Bentley has been with the OCSO for a few years but has already established herself as a stand-out team member. In August 2024, she took a call that ended up saving the life of a deputy’s family member. Through her professionalism, focus, and determination, she has shown herself to be an exemplary asset to the organization.
Employee of the Year • Sheriff Administrative Specialist Adam Blankenship: Blankenship is the Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) coordinator. He is a highly skilled and professional employee known for his multitasking abilities, integrity, and positive attitude. He expertly handles F.O.I.A. requests, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and agency practices while maintaining accuracy and authenticity to prevent legal issues. He handles thousands of requests annually, including videos, subpoenas, and digital media.
Part-Time Deputy of the Year • Deputy Thom Seling: Seling is a retired lieutenant who returned to work part-time for the Training Unit. He is an important asset to the CTO program whose vital influence can be seen on each step of the training process. Seling is an organized, hardworking asset to the agency and helps keep our new hire training programs the best in the state.
Reserve of the Year • Reserve Sergeant Jason Kajy: Kajy is an important asset to the agency. He volunteers his time for ride-alongs, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, SWAT support, as well as many community events, including Sheriff PAL and Dream Cruise. Kajy is a role model for the Reserve Unit.
Support Services Deputy of the Year • Deputy Stephanie Alston: Alston is a vital part of the Forensic Lab, acting as both an investigator with her own caseload as well as a guiding hand to ensure top notch and individualized training. Alston goes above and beyond to aid her colleagues, staying late to complete priority cases and making herself available while off-duty. Her caring and empathetic attitude are essential to the morale of the Forensic Lab.
Learn more about Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at https://www.oakgov.com/government/sheriff
