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Deputy Lewis named NCW Fair's First Responder of the Year

Press Release by North Central Washington Fair

The North Central Washington Fair announced its pick for 2024 First Responder of the Year is Deputy Jacob Lewis of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.

Not only is this award an amazing recognition for Lewis and all his hard work, but it also honors a profession that often goes unrecognized in the area of first responders, according to the press release.

Lewis has worked at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center since 2018 and is the jail's first narcotics K9 handler. In fact, he was tasked with developing the program from scratch. He and his former partner K9 Kait, who passed away in August 2023, and his current partner K9 Gambit have drastically reduced the amount of illegal drugs being used and smuggled within the jail. Lewis has developed a model program for not only jails in Washington but across the country.

Not only are Lewis and K9 Gambit truly invaluable to the region's jail but they are also active members of the community. They regularly visit schools, daycares and summer camps to educate kids in the region. Deputy Lewis' outreach has allowed him and fellow correctional officers the opportunity to interact with the community and educate the public on the corrections profession, according to the press release. 

"Getting a K9 program up and running was pretty special, but getting this Deputy Lewis was the icing on the cake," said Chris Sharp, director of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. 

NCW Fair encourages people to attend the fair on Aug. 23, when Deputy Lewis will be honored at the Clint Black concert stage.

NCW Fair thanks Wheatland Bank for continuing to make this award possible each year with its partnership. This is the fair's fourth year honoring a first responder from Chelan or Douglas county. 

Last Updated: 08/28/2024 02:23 PM

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  • 21
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    Hearing Examiner - May 21,2025

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    Hearing Examiner - May 7,2025

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