Volusia County Sheriff's Office honors is second-quarter award winners

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office recently honored three detectives and a local group with awards for their teamwork in fighting against prescription medication addiction during the agency's staff awards.

VCSO Detectives Austin Littleton, Sgt. Joel Hernandez and Lt. Kurt Schoeps streamlined how residents drop off unwanted prescription drugs at the agency's

VCSO Deputy of the Quarter Andrew Hudson was recognized for going 'above and beyond' the call of duty, resulting in the recovery of four stolen vehicles and developing probable cause for two more recovered vehicles. Courtesy photo

five district offices after researching how other law enforcement agencies collect those unused medications, according to a press release. The N.O.W. Matters More Foundation of New Smyrna Beach donated $4,475 for the effort, allowing VCSO to buy five med return drug collection units, which are locked, steel mailbox-style disposal receptacles. This was done before National Prescription Drug Take Back day last fall.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood presented the detectives with the agency's Problem Solving award for this project. He also recognized Luis Delgao, founder of N.O.W. Matters More, and President Trinity Phillips with the civilian award for their contribution. N.O.W. Matters More helps raise money for people in need of treatment.

VCSO also honored the following second-quarter award winners:

Volunteer of the Quarter: George Wood
Telecommunicator of the Quarter: David Jewell
Employee of the Quarter: Stefanie Levi
Detective of the Quarter: Jan Gardner
Deputy of the Quarter: Andrew Hudson

Jeep Beach aids Food Brings Hope

Jeep Beach recently presented Food Brings Hope with a $5,000 check to aid in the continuation of the nonprofit's work in the community.

Since 2012, Jeep Beach has donated over $1.8 million to local charities through its annual event fundraising efforts, according to a press release. All proceeds raised are distributed to charities throughout Central Florida.

“We are grateful for business partners like Jeep Beach whose constant support ensures that Food Brings Hope fulfills their mission of serving the children of our community," said Judi Winch, FBH's executive director in the press release.

New addition to local bank leadership

Intracoastal Bank has added Mark Martens to its team as its new vice president and business relationship manager, a role in which he will be responsible for developing and servicing business banking relationships, a press release announced.

Mark Martens is a long-term resident of the greater Daytona Beach area. Courtesy photo

Prior to joining Intracoastal Bank, Martens was the senior vice president and business relationship manager banker for Wells Fargo Bank. A graduate of Truman State University, he arrives to Intracoastal Bank with over 34 years of experience in local banking.

Martens is a long-term resident of the greater Daytona Beach area, the press release states. He has been active in several civic organizations including the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Team Volusia, Volusia Manufacturers Association and the Halifax River Yacht Club.

Shoes for kids

ICI Homes Employees recently collected 275 pairs of shoes and 881 pairs of socks in its Annual Walk for Hope to donate to Food Brings Hope students, according to a press release.

Beth Miller, Brad Gaines, Nathan Feeser, Ratsamy Bouttavong, Linda Caracushansky, and Nellie Lupoli. Courtesy photo

Through this donation, KidsZone and TeenZone sponsors were able to choose 10-12 pairs of shoes and a bag full of socks for their students. The annual collection grows every year.

"Food Brings Hope appreciates this annual event which reflects the caring hearts of ICI Homes’ employees," said Judi Winch, FBH's executive director in the press release. "It’s an event we look forward to each year.”