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| Sheriff receives state award
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Sheriff receives state award
By Karen Blackledge
The Daily Item
DANVILLE -- Montour County Sheriff Ray Gerringer has been named the winner of a state award honoring a slain special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Montour County Commissioner Trevor Finn said the Enrique Camarena Award, given through the Elks, is in memory of a former DEA agent who was kidnapped and tortured by drug-traffickers in 1985. His death inspired millions of people throughout the world to lead drug-free lives and to hold "Red Ribbon Week" anti-drug activities every October.
Mr. Finn said Mr. Gerringer received "quite a bit of support" for the award from the community, state, U.S. government officials, U.S. Marshal's Service and U.S. attorneys. The Montour County sheriff was first statewide for the award and third nationally.
The sheriff was recognized for his work in drug investigations with the Northumberland-Montour Country's drug task force, where he is serving his second four-year term. He was appointed chief deputy sheriff in 1983 and chief county detective in 1987.
"This shows that local law enforcement is doing a good job and the sheriff and deputies are doing a fantastic job," Mr. Finn said.
The sheriff said he was honored to be the recipient. He does not know when he will receive the award.
"I will accept it on behalf of all law enforcement in (Northumberland and Montour) counties. Obviously, it is a team effort and not a one-man show. I thank everyone who nominated me, including the U.S. attorney's office, attorney general's office, the FBI and a variety of people," he said.
Mr. Gerringer has served as field supervisor of the area drug task force since it was formed in 1986.
Before Mr. Finn announced the award, Commissioner Jack Gerst said he wanted as many people as possible to attend a rally March 11 from 11 to noon at the Rotunda in Harrisburg. The rally is in support of giving sheriffs and deputy sheriffs full arrest powers.
"We want to get a lot of badges on the street," he said.
Mr. Gerst said the sheriff is trying to line up buses to take people to the rally. Anyone wanting to go should call the sheriff at 271-3020 or 849-0145. Residents will be responsible for their bus fare.
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