Sheriff honors four employees, two families for dedication

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan awarded four of his employees Wednesday morning, and honored two law-enforcement families who made the awards possible.

Lt. Ryan Rueseler was awarded the 2003 Timothy J. Ruopp Award, named in memory of a former Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office employee who was killed in 1984 in the line of duty in California. Members of Ruopp's family were on hand for the ceremony.

Chris Hull, Edie Davis and Jim Bartels each were awarded Copeland Excellence Awards. Every year an employee from each of the office's three divisions receives an award designated in memory of former county sheriff Norman Copeland, whose family also was present. Copeland, whom Jordan referred to as his mentor, retired in 1994 and died in 2001.

"The Ruopp and Copeland families are people near and dear to my heart," Jordan said. "They are law enforcement families, and are still part of our families."

Members of the office nominated Rueseler for the Ruopp award, the "highest tribute for outstanding service to his department, community and his fellow officer in the name of Timothy J. Ruopp."

Rueseler began working with the sheriff's office Oct. 1, 2000, and was promoted to sergeant of the jail division in August 2002. Currently he is a lieutenant in the jail division.

"He is an outstanding officer," Jordan said. "I can tell you the jail is a hard operation to run."

Hull was awarded the Copeland Award in field operations. He has been with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office since April 2002, and is currently a sergeant in the patrol division.

"He has a tremendous work ethic," Jordan said. "He is a shining example of what Norm Copeland expected of a deputy."

Davis was awarded the Copeland award in business operations. She was been with the sheriff's office since June 2002, and is currently a 911 communications officer.

"Even though she has had some personal obstacles she has maintained her smile, spirit and optimism," Jordan said. "She is one of the most conscientious employees I have ever known."

Bartels, employed since February 1998, currently supervises the bailiffs in the jail division.

"He is one of the most cordial, gentle giants I have known," Jordan said. "He has given exemplary service to the sheriff's office."

Jordan also gave to Dr. and Mrs. Dudley Ruopp and Mrs. Wilma Copeland a throw designed by members of the sheriff's office in appreciation for their continued support.

"They're always doing something for us," he said. "It's time we do something in return."

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160