(Decatur County, IN) – The Decatur County Sheriff’s Department is proud to announce that Sergeant Patrick T. Graue and Deputy Kordell R. Meadows from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office have been named by the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association as the 2026 Indiana Deputy Sheriffs of the Year.
The award was presented on July 22 in recognition of their “extraordinary courage, professionalism, and selfless actions” during a life-threatening incident last summer, according to the sheriff’s office.
The nomination for this award stemmed from an incident on August 27, 2025, in which Sergeant Graue and Deputy Meadows were credited with demonstrating exemplary professionalism, sound judgement and courage during an encounter with an armed suspect wanted in connection with a domestic violence incident that occurred the day before in neighboring Ripley County.
Decatur County Sheriff Bill Meyerrose praised the deputies for their actions.
“Sergeant Graue and Deputy Meadows demonstrated the very best of the law enforcement profession under the most difficult of circumstances. Their courage, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to protecting others while preserving life are qualities that make this recognition so well deserved. We are extremely proud of both of these officers and congratulate them on being named the 2026 Indiana Deputy Sheriffs of the Year.”
