It was Under Sheriff Bruce Green who nominated Barton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sgt. Dave Paden to the county’s last employee of the quarter for 2015.
“Today, our badges shine just a little brighter,” he told the Barton County Commission Monday morning as he praised Paden. “He is tireless in doing his job,” from the most menial task all the way up to murder investigations and drug-bust stakeouts.
The Barton County Employee Relations Committee recommends outstanding individuals for the Employee Recognition Award. Monday morning, the commission recognized Paden
Paden was nominated for his efforts in “protecting and assisting county citizens.”
In 2015, Paden acted as a negotiator during a stand-off in September that ended with a murder suspect surrendering and no one getting hurt, assisted the Great Bend Police Department with a murder investigation one week later, assisted in the arrest of several individuals dealing methamphetamine and continued to perform regularly assigned duties, said ERC President Wendy Birzer.
“We’re just so proud of him,” said a teary-eyed Don Paden, Dave’s father who attended the meeting along with his wife and Dave’s mother Beth.
“You ask David, and he will say it’s all part of the job,” Don said. But, after 24 years, its more than that.
“It’s become his life. It’s not a job,” Don said. He’s done this will keeping his family together.
Commission Chairman Don Davis echoed Don Paden’s sentiments, adding that he and the entire commission are proud of the entire BCSO as well. “My hat’s off to all of you.”
The commission then officially recognized Paden with the honor.
In other business Monday morning, the commission:
• Approved the formation of a community working group to assist in the creation of the new Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP). Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Risk MAP focuses on reducing flood risk by increasing public awareness and developing new or updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources, in cooperation with FEMA, is engaging in a new Risk MAP project in the Cow Creek watershed involving Barton County, County Engineer Barry McManaman said. The group that will be staying informed about the project. This may include determining the method and level of map review the community will engage in (how and to what extent the community will be involved), providing comments and feedback and ensuring that stakeholders are aware of review opportunities and public meetings.
There will more about this in Wednesday’s Tribune.
• Approved cereal-malt beverage license for Mo’s Place, Beaver. One license is for “consumption on the premises” and one for “sale in original and unopened containers,” said County Clerk Donna Zimmerman. According to state law, no retailer shall sell any cereal-malt beverage without having secured a license for that business. When a business is located in the unincorporated portion of the county, that application shall be made to the County Commission.
The new owners have also applied for a state liquor license.
