Sheriff's office honored for work with WEC, NDCS

Red Willow County, Nebraska, Sheriff Gene Mahon, center, and members of his staff stand with a certificate of appreciation and the "NDCS Challenge Coin" and plaque, presented to the sheriff's department recently by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. SO personnel representing the full staff are, front row, Deputy Sgt. Justin Davis and K-9 officer, R.C. Second row, Dee Schilz, jail secretary; and Diana Wilkinson, office manager. Back row: Deputy Lt. Joe Koetter and Deputy Sgt. Steve Kotschwar. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Red Willow County, Nebraska sheriff's department was recognized recently for its commitment and assistance to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and the NDCS Work Ethic Camp in McCook.

Sheriff Gene Mahon, on behalf of his staff, accepted a "Certificate of Appreciation" and the "NDCS Challenge Coin" and plaque.

The commemorative "Challenge Coin" represents excellence in NDCS staff, both in attitude and performance, "a symbol that recognizes the significant contribution of employees who are effecting positive change through personal sacrifice and commitment to the Department."

The plaque concludes: "As a recipient of this prestigious Challenge Coin, your challenge is to ensure that future successors will look back on your time in the history of NDCS and say, 'You made a difference.'"

The certificate of appreciation recognizes the sheriff's department's 11 years of partnership and cooperation "in providing assistance to WEC and the safety and security of the citizens of Red Willow County."