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Two Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies each receive Distinguished Service Awards

An arrangement of two Michigan Sheriffs' Association Distinguished Service Awards. On the left is a close-up of the medal, featuring a red, white, and blue ribbon attached to a cross-shaped silver medal with a light blue inlay and a central sheriff's star encircled by the words "DISTINGUISHED SERVICE". The right side displays a service cap flanked by the two boxed medals, each sitting above its respective framed certificate. One certificate is issued to Deputy Eric Calhoun and the other to Deputy Randy Whitmore, both recognizing exemplary achievements on July 4, 2025, in Van Buren County.

Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott has announced that Deputy Eric Calhoun and Deputy Randy Whitmore were both awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the Michigan Sheriffs Association on June 7.

The deputies were recognized for their incredible valor and commitment to public safety during a high-risk incident. Undersheriff Casey Davis, who spoke at the awards ceremony, shared details of the extraordinary bravery displayed by both men on July 4, 2025. While performing their duties, the deputies faced a life-threatening situation when multiple pipe bombs were thrown at them from close range.

Undersheriff Davis highlighted the extensive investigation, seamless coordination, and tireless efforts during the incident. These actions ultimately led to the successful apprehension of the suspect responsible, removing a major threat from the community.

“We are extremely proud of Deputy Calhoun and Deputy Whitmore for their courage, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the citizens of Van Buren County,” stated Sheriff Abbott and Undersheriff Davis in a joint release. “We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association Board for recognizing these deputies and their heroic actions with this prestigious award.”

Please join the Van Buren County community and the Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Deputy Calhoun and Deputy Whitmore for their exceptional service and dedication to keeping us safe!

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Additional Information

For immediate reporting, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office at (269) 657-3101. Additional reporting is available at Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867, Silent Observer (269) 343-2100 or your local Police Department.

Mobile phone users and online users can provide anonymous crime tips to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office by sending a text Tip Soft message by sending a text message to "CRIMES" (274637) with the keyword VBCTIP from a mobile phone. Click here to submit a tip online.

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