Three Lake County sheriff’s deputies, who the sheriff says routinely go “above and beyond the call of duty,” received an officer of the year award from the Kiwanis Club.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that Detective Lana LeMons, Deputy Alex Dador and Detective Leo Ascencio received the 2022 Kiwanis Club of Zion Benton’s Lee J. Fischer Officer of the Year Award.
LeMons is a 13-year-veteran of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. She has served in the Highway Patrol Division, Court Security Division, and Criminal Investigations Division.
LeMons plays a “critical role” in major investigations including homicide investigations, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
She also serves as an investigator for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
LeMons is a certified evidence technician, juvenile officer, hostage negotiator, lead homicide investigator, electronic device forensic analyst and she oversees the sheriff’s office sexual offender registration program.
Dador is a 24-year-veteran of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. He currently serves in the Highway Patrol Division on the midnight shift.
Dador has removed 170 drunk or drugged drivers from Lake County roadways, Covelli said. He has taken a lead role in serving orders of protection.
“The service of these orders is of vital importance in protecting those who may not be able to protect themselves, and Deputy Dador goes above and beyond to locate and serve the respondent of the orders,” Covelli said.
Dador has already served over 175 orders this year and has a service clearance rate of nearly 90%.
Ascencio is a three-year-veteran of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. He has served in the Highway Patrol Division and Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group.
Covelli said that Ascencio is described as having an “outstanding work ethic, positive attitude, and great care and regard for the community.”
Ascencio has been able to de-escalate a number of extremely tense situations, utilizing his calm demeanor and communication skills, Covelli said.
He plays a critical role as a Special Investigations Detective in combating gang, drug and gun violence throughout Lake County.
Ascencio continually mentors the newer generation of deputies and is held in high regard by his colleagues, Covelli said.
“I am so incredibly proud of Alex, Lana, and Leo. They routinely go above and beyond the call of duty to serve our Lake County community,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said.
“From our correctional officers, to our civilian professional employees, to our sworn-staff, we have a tremendous group of talented and dedicated men and women within our organization,” Idleburg said.
The deputies received their awards on Saturday during a ceremony at the Moose Lodge in Zion.