Deputy of the Year

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) is pleased to announce that Deputy Krista McDonald, with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Charles “Bud” Meeks Award for Deputy Sheriff of the Year. 

 

In January 2011, Deputy McDonald without regard to her own safety rescued two of her injured co-workers when they were wounded and defenseless. A 911 call was placed regarding a suspicious couple at the local Walmart, one of whom was possibly armed. According to the caller, there was a young female who was a runaway, in the company of an adult male. Three Kitsap County deputies, including Deputy McDonald, responded to the call. Two of the deputies engaged the male subject in conversation outside of the store entrance while Deputy McDonald waited in near the subject’s vehicle. 

 

One of the deputies attempted to pat down the subject to check for weapons he was reported to be carrying. The subject ran from the deputies and they quickly followed behind. While running, the male subject pulled a handgun from under his clothing and began to fire shots at the deputies. Both deputies were hit and wounded but were able to gain cover after falling to the ground while shots were still being fired in their direction.

 

Deputy McDonald immediately went into action to save the lives of her wounded co-workers. She called for backup on her radio and approached the male suspect with her firearm drawn, discharging several rounds at him in order to neutralize the threat. In response, the suspect turned his attention toward Deputy McDonald and began firing towards her. Having no immediate cover available, she advanced towards him, discharging her firearm and striking him once causing him to fall to the ground.

 

At this point, the suspect’s young companion approached him and he proceeded to shoot twice into her. He then turned the gun on himself and discharged a mortal round into his own body. Deputy McDonald secured the scene and attempted to render first aid to the young female until medical aid arrived. Unfortunately, the young female succumbed to her wounds at the hospital.

 

Deputy McDonald placed her own safety aside in order to protect her fellow wounded co-workers and the public by drawing the suspect’s attention toward her. She exhibited selfless bravery and courage at a time when it was needed most. 

 

Deputy McDonald has been a member of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office since 2000.