The ceremony honors those who go above and beyond.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office held its 2026 Awards Ceremony Wednesday night to honor personnel for exemplary service, dedication, and commitment to the community. An annual event where individuals are recognized for heroic efforts from the past year.
Officials told us they know heroic moments happen each day out in the field, but they make this time to honor those who go above and beyond, so that they can share these moments with their families.
Sheriff Darin Balaam told us, "It is a way that we can not only thank them, but we think their families for everything they do because they sacrifice a lot throughout the year and this is our one time to say thank you. Thank you for what you do every single day, because what they do makes the sheriff's office, but more importantly, it's serving and protecting our community."
Throughout the year, Washoe County Sheriff's Office employees, from deputies, volunteers and civilian staff are encouraged to submit candidates to the electing committee for selection of awards. It could be something as small as a simple act of kindness or working hard to protect and save someone's life.
Sargent Garret Bird who was awarded a Dignitary Protection Pin said, "We put in a lot of time and energy and effort and, sacrifice time away from our families and so, to be able to be recognized is great you know, we don't join this profession to be recognized. We join this profession because we feel we have a calling and we feel that we can make an impact, we feel that we can make a difference for justice."
Officials told us that those who sign up for this profession feel a strong desire to go out and serve their community, but it's more than just one person. It also impacts their families at home because of the shifts their loved ones have to take and holidays they have to miss -- which is something everyone has to adapt to.
Erin Fox who is married to an award recipient said, "I know that he risked his life every time I send him to work, I personally prefer not to know the details. As long as he comes home safe, I'm like, okay, I don't need to know, usually, but it is nice that he's been recognized for going above and beyond and for helping people in the community."
After sitting in on the ceremony, we saw firsthand that those who received awards try to go into every situation they face with bravery and humility to do their best to protect the community.
