LEONARDTOWN, Md.,— The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office recognized outstanding personnel and community partners for their dedication and service at its 2025 Annual Awards Banquet held in April. The event celebrated individuals and organizations who exemplified leadership, commitment, and community engagement across various roles within the sheriff’s office and the broader community.
Ms. Stacey Hancock was named one of two Professional Staff Members of the Year for her pivotal role in leading the agency-wide transition to the Tyler system. Her work as a crime analyst has consistently supported investigative operations, providing critical data to enhance law enforcement efforts. “Her leadership during the Tyler system transition and her continued excellence as a crime analyst supporting investigative operations,” the sheriff’s office noted, underscored her impact. Similarly, Ms. Heather Jones earned recognition as the second Professional Staff Member of the Year for her contributions to modernizing the Corrections Division’s policy framework. Her dedication ensured operational standards remained high, with the sheriff’s office praising “her critical role in modernizing the Corrections Division’s policy framework and maintaining operational standards through tireless dedication.”
Deputy Bradley Kirscht was honored as the Deputy Sheriff of the Year for his proactive enforcement and leadership within the Patrol Division. His contributions extended to multiple investigative units, showcasing versatility and commitment. The sheriff’s office highlighted “his proactive enforcement efforts, contributions to multiple investigative units, and consistent leadership within the Patrol Division” as key reasons for his selection.
Correctional Officer First Class Ayodeji Agunbiade received the Correctional Officer of the Year award for his leadership within the detention facility. His effective crisis response and mentorship of new officers earned praise, with the sheriff’s office noting “his leadership within the facility, effective crisis response, and mentorship of new officers” as exemplary.
The Stanley J. Goodwin Award was presented to Ms. Karol Wolgemuth, a retired educator and dedicated volunteer. Her work with the St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, the W.A.R.M. shelter program, and the Church of the Ascension food pantry has made a lasting impact. The sheriff’s office commended “her continued service through the St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, the W.A.R.M. shelter program, and the Church of the Ascension food pantry” for reflecting her compassion and leadership.
Sergeant James Bare was awarded the Sgt. Nolan Scully Memorial NCO Award for his exemplary leadership as a first-year supervisor. His focus on mentorship, problem-solving, and training embodied the ideals of the award, named after “Rollin’” Nolan Scully. The sheriff’s office recognized “his dedication to the professional growth of his team, along with his operational experience and commitment to training” as central to his achievement.
El Mercadito, a local business, received the Citizen Appreciation Award for their support of the 2024 Hispanic Community Event. Their contributions helped foster an inclusive environment, with the sheriff’s office acknowledging “their generous support of the 2024 Hispanic Community Event, contributing to its success by helping create an inclusive, welcoming space for community engagement.”
