MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office held its annual award banquet on Jan. 10.
The event is dedicated to recognizing the exceptional work and commitment demonstrated by the KCSO team throughout the year.
“This special evening celebrated our four major awards, along with numerous additional honors presented to acknowledge excellence across all divisions,” Sheriff Daniel Weckesser said.
“These awards reflect the dedication, professionalism, and integrity that define the men and women of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.”
Weckesser and the leadership team could not be more proud of the remarkable accomplishments achieved in 2025. These successes were the result of a true team effort—every member, sworn and non-sworn, played a vital role in serving and protecting the community.
“As we look ahead to 2026, our mission remains clear: to proactively reduce crime, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance public safety,” Weckesser said.
“Together, we will continue to move Knox County in a positive direction, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
“Congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you to every member of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for your unwavering dedication and service.”
Civilian of the Year
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office recognized Jan Brannon Wasiluk as the recipient of the 2025 Civilian of the Year Award.
Wasiluk serves as a confidential administrative assistant, a role that demands exceptional professionalism, discretion, and organizational skills.
She is entrusted with handling sensitive and confidential information while serving as a vital liaison between the sheriff’s office leadership, staff, and external partners.
Her responsibilities extend beyond traditional administrative duties to include project coordination, research, event planning, and budget management.
“Jan consistently demonstrates the ability to multitask effectively, maintain accuracy under pressure, and communicate with clarity and professionalism. Her unwavering commitment and attention to detail have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the sheriff’s office,” Weckesser said.
“Jan’s contributions reflect not only her technical expertise but also her dedication to supporting the mission of public safety and strengthening community trust.”
Detective of the Year
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office honored Detective Matt White as the recipient of the 2025 Detective of the Year Award for his exceptional professionalism, investigative expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice.
White serves as the lead investigator for sexual assault crimes, a role that demands sensitivity, precision, and relentless pursuit of truth. His work in this critical area has provided justice for victims and strengthened community trust in law enforcement.
“Matt’s ability to navigate the complexities of these cases, often involving highly technical digital evidence, sets him apart as a leader in modern investigative techniques,” Weckesser said.
“Throughout 2025, Detective White successfully managed numerous complex investigations requiring advanced analysis of digital data, including forensic recovery and interpretation of electronic communications and media. His technical proficiency has been instrumental in securing convictions in cases that might otherwise have remained unresolved.”
White’s accomplishments in 2025 include leading two notable sexual assault investigations that resulted in convictions totaling 62 years in prison for the perpetrators.
“These outcomes reflect his tireless dedication to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for victims,” Weckesser said.
In addition to his investigative achievements, White consistently earns top performance evaluations, reflecting his dedication, integrity, and leadership within the sheriff’s office.
He also serves as a mentor to fellow detectives, sharing best practices and guiding others through the challenges of high-stakes investigations.
Patrol Division Deputy of the Year
Deputy Cory Cottrell received the 2025 Deputy of the Year Award for his professionalism, composure, and exceptional performance during critical incidents.
“Although Cory is in the early stages of his law enforcement career, he has already faced significant, high-stakes situations that tested his skills and judgment,” Weckesser said.
“In each instance, Cory demonstrated remarkable situational awareness, calm under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the public and supporting his fellow deputies.”
In addition to his performance during critical incidents, Cottrell has handled more than 100 calls for service as the primary officer this year, showcasing his reliability and dedication to serving the community.
He continues to expand his knowledge, sharpen his skills, and develop the abilities that make him a top performer with the Knox County Sheriff’s office.
“His ability to maintain professionalism during challenging moments reflects not only his personal character but also his commitment to the mission of the sheriff’s office,” Weckesser said.
“Cory’s actions have earned the respect of his peers and supervisors, proving that leadership and excellence are not defined by tenure but by performance and integrity.”
Jail Division Deputy of the Year
Deputy Griffin Rothgeb received the Deputy/Corrections Officer of the Year award.
Rothgeb has served in the corrections profession for nearly seven years, consistently demonstrating exceptional dedication to duty and professionalism.
“Known for his willingness to assist fellow officers, positive demeanor, and strong security awareness, Deputy Rothgeb is a valued and respected member of our team. His approach to the job reflects empathy and a commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect, fostering a supportive and professional environment within the facility,” Weckesser said.
“We sincerely thank Deputy Rothgeb for his hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to have him as part of our staff.”
Special Deputy of the Year
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office honored Connor Prince as the Special Deputy of the Year in recognition of his extraordinary resilience, unwavering commitment, and courage in the face of life-altering challenges.
Despite catastrophic injuries sustained during an off-duty incident, Prince continues to embody the highest ideals of law enforcement: dedication, perseverance, and honor.
“Connor’s determination to maintain his peace officer certification and return to service reflects an inspiring strength that uplifts the entire Knox County Sheriff’s Office,” Weckesser said.
“Deputy Prince’s perseverance and dedication exemplify the highest standards of service and courage. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is honored to present him with this award as a testament to his strength and commitment.
“Congratulations, Deputy Prince. We proudly honor your sacrifice and steadfast spirit.”