It is an honor when we get to begin our Board of Commissioners meetings with having our Sheriff present life-saving and commendation awards. Grateful to have these men and women serving all of us here in Ottawa County. Let’s lift them and their families up in prayer as they continue to face many seen but also unseen challenges. 🇺🇸
From the Sheriff’s Office:
This evening, at the Board of Commissioner’s meeting, Sheriff DeBoer presented awards to members of the Sheriff’s Office for their dedication, courage, and commitment to serving the citizens of Ottawa County. From left to right, the following staff were recognized – Dep. Houseman, Dep. Sabri, Dep. N VandenBosch, Sgt. Ryke, Det. Cieslinski, and Det. Willard. Below you find a brief summary for each of their recognitions.
Detectives Cieslinski and Willard
On July 18, 2025, Det Willard was assigned an investigation related to child sexually abusive material. After immediate review, he, and Det. Cieslinski launched a comprehensive investigation, leading them to discover that a violent sexual assault had taken place against a minor by multiple offenders. On this same day, these Detectives made contact with the offenders, seized multiple pieces of evidence, and began extensive follow up investigations to ensure the offenders will be held fully accountable for their actions. Their actions reflect the shared commitment to protecting children and pursuing justice without compromise. They both were presented with the Sheriff’s Commendation award.
Sergeant Ryke
On February 27, 2025, Sgt. Ryke responded to a medical call where a 55-year-old woman was found unconscious. Upon his arrival, Sgt. Ryke located the female not breathing with no pulse. Through his quick action, application of AED, and multiple shocks being administered, Sheriff DeBoer was pleased to share with the Board of Commissioner’s that the female was transported to an area hospital alive and breathing on her own. Additional medical staff stated that it was because of Sgt. Ryke’s unwavering commitment to preserving life that the female is alive today. Sgt. Ryke was presented with a Life-Saving award.
Deputies Houseman, Zaragosa and N. VandenBosch
On November 11, 2025, Deputies Houseman, Zaragosa, and N. VandenBosch responded to a medical call where a 41-year-old man was found not breathing. Upon their arrival, working as a team they assessed the patient, applied an AED and provided a shock to regain a pulse. Additionally, while providing life saving measures, the remained calm and professional, providing comfort to the patient’s wife during one of life’s most terrifying moments. These Deputies exemplify the values of the Sheriff’s Office: dedication to duty, respect for the community we serve, and unwavering commitment to preserving life. All three of these Deputies were presented a Life-Saving award.
Deputy Sabri
On December 7, 2025, Deputy Sabri received a call regarding a man that had accidentally shot himself in the leg while unloading his firearm. Prior to Deputy Sabri’s arrival, the man’s wife attempted to apply a tourniquet but was unable to control the bleeding. Deputy Sabri arrived and quickly applied a tourniquet from his duty belt, effectively stemming the severe blood loss. In a follow-up conversation, the treating physicians credited the tourniquet applied by Deputy Sabri with saving the victim’s life. This outcome is a direct result of Deputy Sabri’s training, and commitment to using his skills and equipment to safeguard the lives of those he serves. Deputy Sabri was presented a Life-Saving award.
