Updated Sheriff Merit Chart on Resource Navigator, Camp Hero

Kosciusko County Recovery Program's new resource navigator, Shanna Wallen, begins work July 8, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Merit Board learned Thursday.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office officially sent out a press release on Wallen's hiring on Thursday. She now works at Rose Garden Recovery Community.
“I know (Kosciusko County Jail Substance Abuse Program Coordinator) Casey (Trombley) played a big role in the hiring process and setting up all of these meetings,” Sheriff Jim Smith said during the board meeting. “You can see the relief on her face now that it’s settled and she has her person and now we’re just waiting for them to get started.”
“It’s an exciting time for Kosciusko County and for the jail, especially because they’re ready,” he said.
Through the recovery program, inmates will receive help to readjust to society to prevent re-offending.
The board also heard an update on Camp Hero, which will take place Tuesday, July 30 through Thursday, August 1 at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw.
Doug Light, KCSO public information officer, noted that camp spots were filled in just 34 minutes after registration opened this year. He said 176 children have been registered, which does not include children of police officers and other first responders who want to come.
Through camp, children learn about the roles of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services workers, as well as skills such as first aid, bike safety and much more. Children participate for free, thanks to donations from the community.
Smith reiterated during the meeting that it was important to him that money not prevent children from being able to attend camp.
“This community, as always, has come to fruition through the partnerships we have with businesses and staff,” he said. “It’s humbling and it’s exciting and I couldn’t be more proud of our staff.”
Light said after the meeting, about $19,000 was collected in donations for Camp Hero. If people would like to donate now or in the future for the annual event, they should contact the KCSO.
In other matters, the council:
• Light learned that KCSO received 1,980 calls for service in May, which is down slightly from the more than 2,000 calls in May 2023.
• I've heard that the agents have been attending various festivals over the past few weeks. The KCSO will be at the upcoming Mermaid Festival and Kosciusko County Fair.
• I learned from Light that KCSO Deputy Elizabeth Johnson now owns a K9, Creed, thanks to the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department.