Two Lake County Sheriff's deputies and canine deputy honored
Two Lake County Sheriff's deputies received awards at the annual Chicago Crime Commission "Stars of Distinction" awards banquet on Nov. 16.
Deputy Robert Skrypek was presented the Chicago Crime Commission "Stars of Distinction - Lifetime of Service" Award. Deputy Skrypek began his career with the Lake County Sheriff's Office in May of 1995. He's served in the Court Security Division, Highway Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Warrants Division, Cyber Crimes Unit, Tactical Response Team, and currently serves as a Field Training Officer.
Deputy Skrypek has been credited with tracking down "dead beat dads," investigating and arresting child pornographers, ensuring sexual offenders are in compliance with the law, solving residential and vehicular burglaries and locating and apprehending violent offenders. He's also been credited with life-saving awards.
Deputy Skrypek comes to work every day with a great attitude and takes great pleasure in serving the Lake County community.
Deputy Craig Somerville Jr. and his canine partner Diesel were awarded the Chicago Crime Commission "Paws of Distinction" Award. This award comes from Deputy Somerville's several successful deployments of Canine Diesel.
In January of 2016, Canine Diesel located 29 individually wrapped bags of heroin, three individually wrapped bags of crack cocaine, one bag of powder cocaine, and a pistol, all of which were hidden in a vehicle compartment.
In February of 2016, Canine Diesel encouraged two offenders to surrender during a burglary in-progress, and both were subsequently arrested without injury to any deputies or themselves.
In July of 2016, Canine Diesel successfully tracked a suicidal woman who fled a residence after cutting her wrists. The woman was located a distance away, under dense brush, and was able to seek medical treatment thanks to Deputy Somerville and Canine Diesel.
Additionally, in August of 2016, Canine Diesel successfully tracked a bank robbery offender who had fled a bank on foot after an armed robbery. The stolen money and a handgun were located in the vicinity of where Canine Diesel tracked.
Sheriff Mark Curran said, "I couldn't be more proud of how Deputy Skrypek, Deputy Somerville, and Canine Diesel represent the Lake County Sheriff's Office. It was a true honor receiving such prestigious awards last night from the Chicago Crime Commission."
Undersheriff Ray Rose said, "The work ethic and dedication of Deputy Skrypek and Deputy Somerville are prime examples of our raising the bar at the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Both represent the Lake County community with a great deal of integrity, respect, and professionalism, which are the core values of the Lake County Sheriff's Office."