On December 12, 2025, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office held its annual awards ceremony and Christmas lunch, with Sheriff Greg Seabolt recognizing the recipients.
Life-Saving Award: awarded to officers in appreciation for the prompt and unselfish act of rendering medical aid and assistance to a fellow citizen that resulted in the saving of a life.
Life-saving actions on May 18, 2025, upon arriving on scene and locating a subject who had multiple gunshot wounds:
- Dep. Brandon Zagada
- Dep. Clifford Lambeth
Life-saving actions to a victim in a vehicle accident on NC Hwy 49 S. on May 18, 2025.
- Deputy Clifford Lambeth
Life-saving actions on September 27, 2025, while off-duty and at a fitness facility, when a male became unresponsive.
- Detective Glen Sakamura
Meritorious Action Award: given to a deputy who has performed an outstanding act with a significant outcome for the community or department.
Courageous actions taken under extreme pressure showcased the bravery required to halt a wrong-way impaired driver, thereby ensuring the safety of the motoring public of Randolph County on August 22, 2025.
- SP Dep. Wesley Wirt
Top Gun Awards: The recognition of Top-Gun is given to a deputy that is the most proficient with their service weapons.
- Dep. Alex Boling - First Place Male (99.5 average)
- Dep. Catherine Queen – First Place Female (95 average)
- Patrol Shift David Team – First Place (accepted by Lt. Rogers on behalf of the team – 92.6 average)
Driver of the Year: Doug Garland 
Officer of the Year Awards by division - Sheriff Seabolt recognized the following division officers and civilian employees for their dedication, exemplary performance and professional conduct in 2025, chosen by their fellow employees.
- Administration/Records/Training/Evidence Division - Sgt. Heather Johnson
- Bailiff Division - Sgt. Eddie Slafky (not present)
- Civil Division – Dep. Kent Craven
- Civilian – Heather Tilley
- Criminal Interdiction Teams – Det. Daniel Burger
- Criminal Investigations Division – Lt. Brandon Merrill
- Fleet Maintenance – Bud Kauffman
- Patrol Division – Sgt. Nathan Small
- School Resource Unit/CAT –Det. Luke Wible
- Vice/VNET – Det. Sgt. Greg Rogers
- Detention Center Admin/Maintenance –Cpl. Jason Kidd
- Transportation / House Arrest – Sgt. Donald Hunt
- Shifts - Sgt. Robert Polito
Volunteer Service Recognition– Ken Rhodes, Debbie Wise, Chris Dorsett, Stella Kearns, Diane Johnson, and Linda Faucett.
Sheriff’s Commendation Award is in recognition of outstanding policing or investigatory ability, consistently high levels of commitment and professionalism, or where the individual's actions are far beyond what would normally be expected. This year’s Commendation Award is in memory of Sheriff Coble M. Maness – Sheriff of Randolph County 1950-1954.
Selected as the Officer of the Year for 2025 is Deputy Wesley Summers for his extraordinary actions in critical moments; actions that directly protected our citizens and prevented potentially tragic outcomes. Since joining our agency in July 2023, Deputy Summers has distinguished himself through professionalism, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to community safety.
In September 2024, Deputy Summers responded to a trespassing call at the Red Cross Community Store. What began as a routine call quickly escalated when he encountered two individuals—both convicted felons recently released from federal prison—armed with multiple firearms. With approximately 30 children playing baseball less than 100 yards away, Deputy Summers immediately recognized the threat. After hearing what he believed to be the racking of a handgun, he swiftly detained the first suspect, secured the scene, and managed the high-risk situation alone until backup arrived. His quick decisions and calm, tactical response led to the safe apprehension of both perpetrators and the seizure of loaded weapons, preventing a situation that could have endangered innocent children and community members.
In October 2025, Deputy Summers once again demonstrated exceptional courage and determination when responding to a domestic disturbance involving an armed suspect. During the incident, he engaged in both a vehicle pursuit and foot chase. Even after suffering a dislocated shoulder from a fall during the chase, he got up, pushed forward, apprehended the fleeing suspect, and maintained control of the scene until additional deputies arrived. His refusal to abandon the pursuit—despite significant injury—ensured the suspect was taken into custody safely and prevented further danger to the victim and surrounding neighborhood.
Deputy Summers’ actions in these high-risk incidents reflect not only courage and skill but a deep commitment to the safety of Randolph County. His ability to remain composed under pressure, protect the public, and bring dangerous situations to a safe resolution exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement service.
His dedication, bravery, and service bring great credit to himself, this agency, and the citizens we proudly serve. 
