Pickaway Sheriff Deputy Honored By Paint Valley ADAMH

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(Chillicothe) — The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Services Board recognized Lt. Johnathan R. Strawser of the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Department as our Community Champion on Tuesday August 31, 2021, for his excellent performance and outstanding service, during the Pickaway County Commissioner’s meeting.

Lt. Strawser was nominated by Lt. James A. Brown Jr. for his efforts to assist an individual in crisis on August 6th of this year. Lt. Strawser responded to call for a barricaded person with a gun. He knew this person had prior incidences of paranoia and suffered from mental illness. Strawser relied upon his past experiences with the individual, his knowledge of the community, and his training. The Lieutenant went above and beyond to not only deescalate the crisis but followed up to assist the individual. This exceptional work is why the ADAMH Board feels it is so important to recognize Lt. Strawser.

Executive Director of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board, Penny Dehner, stated “Lt. Johnathan R. Strawser went above and beyond his training and quite frankly not only saved a life, but saved our community turmoil and unnecessary use of force against a person with a mental illness. Simply outstanding work and it needs to be recognized.”

“The extra efforts of Lt. Strawser reduced a potential entry by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team that could have led to the individual being harmed.” Stated Lt. James A Brown Jr., Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.

The Pickaway County Commissioners and the Pickaway County Sheriff, Matthew O. Hafey also recognized Lt. Strawser during the meeting.