Deputies receive honors for work in the field

Deputies from Covington and Maple Valley were honored in mid-December for their work in the field.

King County Sheriff’s deputies from Covington and Maple Valley were honored in mid-December for their work in the field.

Maj. Ron Griffin from the King County Sheriff’s Office Precinct 3 in Maple Valley presented the awards to the officers.

Kyle Riches, Chris Cross, Dave Cissna and Kit Ison received the Meritorious Service Award.

Riches was recognized for his “commitment and dedication to the Patrol Training Officer program,” according to remarks Griffin made while presenting the honor.

Also during his time as a Master Police Officer, Riches has trained nearly 100 recruits at Precinct 3 since 1998, Covington Police Chief Andrew McCurdy said in an email.

“Due to (Riches) allegiance to (his) recruits and the KCSO, our newest deputies are undoubtedly well-equipped to enter their next phase,” Griffin said during the presentation.

Cross receives his recognition also for his time with the PTO program.

And in the past six years, he has trained 24 recruits.

Cissna was also honored for his time with the PTO program and like Cross, he has trained 24 recruits in six years.

Ison was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for her time with both the Field Training Officer and PTO programs.

Also while at Precinct 3, Ison has trained more than 40 recruits.

During her time training recruits, she averaged 120 weeks with each individual.

Ison is now a detective in the Background Investigations Unit.

Cross also received the Lifesaver Award after responding to a AED call in Covington. The victim had no breathing and no pulse and while his partner starting CPR, Cross set up the AED and administered shock to the victim.

Until fire units arrived, both Cross and his partner took turns giving CPR and shocks from the AED.

Medics were able to obtain a steady pulse and the victim was transported to the hospital.

And the last officer honored was Jason Hudson. He received the Quality Policing Award.

Over several months, Hudson took on a situation in the unincorporated area of Auburn/Federal Way where residents were dealing with ongoing issues of their neighbor who was participating in drug trafficking and stolen vehicles.

While investigating, Hudson tracked more than 24 license plates, made a number of traffic stops and enlisted help from other agencies including the Special Enforcement Team, Code Enforcement, Auto Task Force and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

He was also able to build not only a relationship with the residents but Hudson was able to build rapport with the neighbors.

“Through (his) efforts and determination, (Hudson) was able to bring peace to the neighborhood,” Griffin said while presenting the honor.