NORTH VERNON, Ind. – Jennings County Sheriff Kenny Freeman recently presented merit awards to two individuals, a local citizen and one of his deputies.
Kevin Birge received the Civilian Medal of Appreciation for his actions on March 26, 2020, where he helped in the apprehension of an armed fugitive. While chasing the suspect, deputies became stuck in the mud and Birge drove them, in his vehicle, to an area where officers were able to locate the fugitive and take him into custody.
“Without people like Mr. Birge, this dangerous fugitive could have possibly gotten away. It’s nice to see that our community still supports law enforcement and still believes in law and order,” said the sheriff.
Deputy Drew Heilers was also honored and given the Merit Award for Excellent Arrest. His due diligence led to the arrest of the suspect. Heilers said, “This will always be an arrest I will remember.”
