ASHLAND — The American Legion recently honored an Ashland County Sheriff’s deputy as its Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
The veteran’s organization on Claremont Avenue designated Deputy Bradford Rybak as the officer of the year on Nov. 17.
The American Legion Post 88 began honoring local law enforcement with the distinction in 2024, when it awarded former Ashland Police officer Soren Osicka as officer of the year for saving a toddler following a 911 call.
Sheriff Kurt Schneider nominated Rybak this year because of his dedication to public service and called the U.S. Army veteran someone who’s had major impact.Â
“He’s a career firefighter and paramedic in Columbus,” Schneider said.
The deputy was hired to work part-time for the sheriff’s office last year. He fills in for full-timers who take vacation or have sick days, Schneider said.
Rybak’s expertise in providing medical services has led to more awareness to the office and other emergency medical service providers. He’s also led efforts to raise money for a machine that allows trained officers to perform “hands-free” CPR.
“They just put it on and it does it all for you so you can do other things. So he secured that,” Schneider said,,
According to the Sheriff, Rybak approached local veterans’ organizations to fundraise for the machine known as a LUCAS 3 Chest Compression Device.Â
David Abbruzzese, American Legion Post 88 Commander, said honoring Rybak with the award is a small token of appreciation.
“Deputy, your courage does not go unnoticed. Your dedication does not go unappreciated. You embody the values of service, honor and selflessness that define the very best of law enforcement,” he said during the ceremony.