Lewis receives Steuben County Sheriff’s Office Career Achievement Award

Photo ID: L-R Lewis, Allard.
Photo Credit: Terri Moir

BATH -- Steuben County Investigator Don Lewis was recognized Sunday by county Sheriff Jim Allard as an individual "who has created a body of work over the span of their career that consistently surpasses the established standards of quality, innovation and vision, and consistently meets the core values of professionalism, integrity, leadership and service."

Lewis received the rare Steuben County Sheriff’s Office Career Achievement Award, which recognizes those who truly have made a difference for the office over the span of decades, Allard said.

"This award is available to a person from any division," Allard said. "It’s not given every year, nor is it given as a retirement gift."

Allard said Lewis’ career during more than 20 years exceeds the requirements for the award and includes recognition in 2009 as the New York State Deputy of the Year award, due to his life -saving actions under fire, during a hostage situation in the Town of Woodhull.

"Don has pioneered the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office AED program, Fire Police Instructor program, Narcan Program, Social Media Intelligence Program, Emergency Medical Technician Program, Fire Investigation Team, Drone Program, introduced multiple online investigative tools and services, acted as a mentor, field training officer and instructor for multiple disciplines," Allard said Sunday. "He has assisted multiple agencies in various investigations, both fire and police, and has done so with professionalism and a dedication to service. When you talk about wearing different hats, Don has virtually worn them all."