The Decatur County Sheriff’s Department is proud to announce that Sergeant Patrick T.
Graue and Deputy Kordell R. Meadows have been selected by the Indiana Sheriffs’
Association as the 2026 Indiana Deputy Sheriffs of the Year. The prestigious award was
presented on July 22, 2026, in recognition of their extraordinary courage,
professionalism, and selfless actions during a life-threatening incident on August 27, 2025.
The nomination for this award stemmed from an incident on August 27, 2025, where
Sergeant Graue and Deputy Meadows demonstrated exemplary professionalism, sound
judgement and courage during an encounter with an armed suspect wanted in connection
with a domestic violence incident that occurred on August 26, 2025, in neighboring
Ripley County.
Sheriff William B. Meyerrose praised both deputies for their actions.
“Sergeant Graue and Deputy Meadows demonstrated the very best of the law
enforcement profession under the most difficult of circumstances. Their courage, sound
judgment, and unwavering commitment to protecting others while preserving life are
qualities that make this recognition so well deserved. We are extremely proud of both of
these officers and congratulate them on being named the 2026 Indiana Deputy Sheriffs of
the Year.”
The Decatur County Sheriff’s Department congratulates Sergeant Graue and Deputy
Meadows on this well-deserved honor and thanks the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association for
recognizing their exemplary service. Their actions exemplify the courage,
professionalism, and dedication expected of Indiana law enforcement officers and reflect
great credit upon the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, the law enforcement
profession, and the citizens they proudly serve.
