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Sheriff honors deputies for river rescue, cyclist response and night dive; reserve recognized for 30 years
Summary
Sheriff Chuck Heit and Undersheriff Greg Sanders presented Certificates of Commendation to Deputies Cameron Neubecker (Nov. 7, 2025), Sam Whittaker (Aug. 23, 2025) and Sabrina LaRatta (June 28, 2025) for separate life‑saving responses; Ken Jewell was recognized on his retirement after 30 years in the sheriff’s reserves.
Sheriff Chuck Heit and Undersheriff Greg Sanders presented life‑saving awards at the Feb. 19 Committee of the Whole meeting, honoring three deputies for separate critical responses in 2025.
Deputy Cameron Neubecker received a Certificate of Commendation for actions on Nov. 7, 2025, when he responded to a disturbance in Watervliet Township involving a person experiencing a mental‑health crisis who fled into the Paw Paw River. According to the minutes, Neubecker entered cold, muddy water and helped secure and bring the individual to shore.
Deputy Sam Whittaker was recognized for an Aug. 23, 2025 incident in which a cyclist had a serious fall in a one‑lane road and faced oncoming traffic; the minutes credit Whittaker’s quick, composed actions with helping save the cyclist’s life. Deputy Sabrina LaRatta received recognition for a June 28, 2025 night dive response in New Buffalo after a person jumped from a bridge and did not resurface; the minutes describe the dive as exceptionally challenging due to nightfall and commend LaRatta’s bravery and skill.
The sheriff’s office also recognized Ken Jewell for 30 years of service with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Reserves and presented him with a retirement badge.
