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Pawnee County sheriff reports deputy resignation; K-9 returned to vendor and new hires planned
Summary
Sheriff Braden Lang told the council that Deputy Justyce Stankoski resigned Oct. 31 to join the Beatrice Police Department, the department returned its K-9 to the vendor under contract, and new hires include a certified deputy from Johnson County and a 21-year-old recruit named 'Ashton'.
Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang updated Pawnee City council members on Nov. 10 about recent staffing changes in the sheriff’s office that affect city coverage.
Sheriff Lang said Deputy Justyce Stankoski resigned Oct. 31 without notice to accept a position with the Beatrice Police Department and is now a member of that department’s SWAT team. Because the K-9 contract grants first rights to the vendor, the department returned the dog to its supplier. Lang said prior attempts to sustain a K-9 program for Pawnee County had not been successful and he does not currently plan to maintain a K-9 unit.
To fill coverage gaps, Lang said he hired a fully certified deputy from Johnson County who will work one or two shifts a week in Pawnee County in addition to his full-time role in Johnson County. Lang also said the department hired a 21-year-old, identified as 'Ashton,' who will begin police academy training on Jan. 4, 2026; Ashton will need supervision until fully certified. Lang noted that the county commissioners will meet to discuss further hiring and that Stankoski’s resignation is on their agenda.
Lang also acknowledged that Stankoski received sign-on bonus payments when he was hired by the sheriff’s office and that two payments were made; Lang said the county will address any contractual or administrative follow-up at the commissioners’ meeting.
