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Lewis, Eggers honored by CCRJC for their outstanding performance in 2021

(Pictured above are Director Chris Sharp and Sara Eggers. Below are Sharp, Deputy Jacob Lewis and K-9 Kait.)

 

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center honored two of its own this month with the announcement of its 2021 Deputy of the Year and 2021 Support Staff of the Year.

Corrections Deputy of the Year is Jacob Lewis, who has built the narcotics interdiction program for the jail and is the handler to K-9 Kait, the department’s narcotics-detecting canine.

The Support Staff of the Year is mental health professional Sara Eggers, who has been with the jail for six years.

To be honored at an upcoming professional dinner, the two employees were nominated by their peers and chosen by a committee. Selection was based on the following criteria:

Did the nominee distinguish themselves throughout the 2021 calendar year with an exceptional performance?
Did the nominee consistently exemplify the department’s values?
Did the nominee contribute to advancing the department’s mission?
Did the nominee take on additional duties, responsibilities and strive to advance their individual section?

“I am very excited to see our staff take the time to write letters recommending one of their peers for these awards,” said Chris Sharp, director of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. “In fact, I’m proud to say all six nominees this year represent the mission, vision and core values of our department.”

In his nomination letter, Lewis was described as the “ultimate team player,” willing to adjust his schedule to meet the needs of the facility and what is happening at the time. He has taken on the responsibility of the entire drug interdiction program, which includes not only the canine component but also the mail and body scanners. Lewis’ efforts have led to a dramatic decline in the amount of drugs entering the facility, according to the nomination letter.

One of only two K-9 narcotics-detecting programs now operating in a city or county jail, Chelan County’s fledgling program has been built by Lewis these past two years, Sharp said.

“Jacob is one of the most professional people I know,” Sharp said. “He not only represents our agency at the highest level, he also takes pride in being there for his fellow correctional deputies, assisting them when our day-to-day operations may need it. He has been an ambassador in our community with K-9 Kait in educating the public on how important our correctional deputies are and what a noble service we provide to the greater Wenatchee Valley.”

“Jacob is just a diamond in the ruff,” Sharp added.

In her nomination letter, Eggers was described as not only a huge asset to the facility but also someone who proves daily that she is passionate about her job. Eggers is respected by the incarcerated population she serves and “has a gift for being able to talk to even the most difficult patients,” according to the nomination letter. She continues to seek more professional knowledge and education in her field, advancing her own expertise and working to advance her department as well.

“Sara is a rock star. She absolutely loves what she does, she has a deep passion for the people she visits with, and she really cares about how or what treatment we offer to them here while they are incarcerated,” Sharp said. “She not only hits home runs with the incarcerated, but is always attempting to lift the spirits of her fellow staff members.”

“Sara literally brings her A game to work each and every day. She is very proud of the work we all do here at CCRJ and it shows through her commitment to excellence,” Sharp added.

Also nominated this year for Corrections Deputy of the Year were Deputies Fernando Ponce, Darren Humble and Austin Hawkins. Kelsey Browning, a registered nurse in the facility, also was nominated for the Support Staff of the Year honor.

Last Updated: 04/15/2022 10:58 AM

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