An officer with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department and one from the Newton Police Department were recognized during the Jasper County Law Enforcement Memorial Service on the lawn of the Jasper County Courthouse Thursday night. Sergeant Kira Lazenby of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office received the Law Enforcement Professional of the Year Award from the Newton Daily News, and Lieutenant Wayne Winchell of the Newton Police Department received the 2026 Jasper County Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award from the Newton Rotary Club.
Organizers say the annual event drew one of its largest crowds in history, to honor those who serve and protect Jasper County and remember the six county officers who died in connection with their service. They included Newton Police Officers Bobby Barrickman, who died in an automobile crash in 1979; Officer Daniel McPherren, who was shot and killed in 1985 while responding to a robbery; and Lieutenant Pat Richardson, who died of a medical issue while training for a department fitness test. Jasper County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Captain Howard Holdefer died in 1973 from a heart attack while he and other officers attempted to arrest three intoxicated men in 1973. Prairie City Police Officer Donald “Rusty” Hewitt was killed during a high speed chase in 1977, while Prairie City Police Chief Michael German died in 2022 from contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Prairie City’s current Police Chief Kevin Gott spoke at Thursday’s ceremony about dedication, professionalism, and the importance of community support for law enforcement.
