KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NAMES DEPUTY, FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR
Each year, the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Council 5747 in Chalmette and its Ladies Auxiliary recognizes a local sheriff’s deputy, firefighter and paramedic of the year for their dedicated service to the residents of St. Bernard Parish.
Agent Richard Scheuermann, a nine-year veteran of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, was named the 2022-23 Deputy of the Year.
Capt. Chris Kimball, a 15-year veteran of the St. Bernard Fire Department, was named the 2022-23 Firefighter of the Year; and Paramedic Kevin Jordan with Acadian Ambulance was named the 2022-23 Paramedic of the Year.
Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Jeffrey Caruso said the organization gives these awards “to recognize our public servants. We appreciate the work they do in this parish.’’
The three first responders were honored during a banquet held this afternoon (Jan. 15) at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Paris Road in Chalmette.
2022-23 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: AGENT RICHARD SCHEUERMANN
It has been said children learn from the example set for them by their parents, whether good or bad, and perhaps a child’s same sex parent is the most influential person in their life.
This certainly rings true for St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agent Richard Scheuermann who said the enormous amount of respect he had for his father played a huge role in his decision to become a police officer.
His dad, the late Randy Scheuermann, not only served 52 years in law enforcement, he also was honored for his exemplary service with an Outstanding Lawman of the Year award and nearly a dozen Certificates of Commendation.
“Having the pleasure to work alongside of my Dad and follow in his footsteps and for him to have just passed away a year ago and not be here for this accomplishment is tough for me,” Agent Scheuermann said, “but I know if he were here, he would tell me how proud he was of me and that I can do and accomplish anything that I put my mind to.”
Agent Scheuermann began his career in law enforcement in 2013 as a member of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division. In 2014, he graduated from Police Office and Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T. police academy.
In 2018, he became a member of the Field Operations Bureau Patrol Division where he worked for two years, and in 2019 he earned a coveted spot on the Special Weapons and Tactics or S.W.A.T. team.
In June, 2020, he was named a Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard-Arabi Life Saver Award recipient for his efforts to save a woman who attempted to end her life by jumping into Bayou Bienvenue while handcuffed. Without hesitation, and in full patrol uniform and duty rig, Scheuermann jumped in the Bayou after the female and was able to safely help her out of the water, saving her life.
Less than a year later, in April, 2021, he was transferred to the Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit, earning a promotion to the rank of agent, and still serves in that capacity today.
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said Agent Scheuermann exemplifies what a good police officer should be – hardworking, brave, selfless, tough but compassionate when needed, and committed to making a difference.
“Richie represents our department extremely well,” the Sheriff said. “He is dedicated to keeping our community safe.”
Agent Scheuermann’s work ethic also is commended by his ranking officers, including his supervisors, Maj. Daniel Bostic, commander of the Special Investigations Division, and Capt. Matthew Arcement, SID assistant commander.
Even though Agent Scheuermann has only been in Narcotics for a short period of time, Maj. Bostic said “he shows leadership skills that are beyond his years, and a passion for the job that is second to none,” and “is very self-motivated and determined to not only get illicit drugs off of the street, but also firearms that are in the hands of felons.”
“Richie has excelled in his role as a Narcotics agent, and exhibits a very high level of productivity,” Maj. Bostic said. “He not only produces a high number of cases, but also consistently maintains a high standard for quality and accuracy in his work.”
In 2022, Agent Scheuermann has authored 33 search warrants, and conducted multiple traffic stops which combined have resulted in 128 arrests and the seizure of 41 firearms, 3,905 grams of marijuana, 262 grams of heroin, 405 grams of Fentanyl, 61 Fentanyl tablets, 171 grams of methamphetamine, 24 grams of crack cocaine and $43,201 dollars in drug money.
Agent Scheuermann said he is honored to be among the recipients of this award.
“To be named Deputy of the Year truly means the world to me for a few reasons,” he said. “It’s a reminder that my consistency, dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated. Although an award is not needed for me to do my job at the level I choose to hold myself to, it is greatly appreciated.”
Agent Scheuermann said watching his dad give of himself so selflessly over the years, not only in his law enforcement career but also in his personal life, has made him who he is today and contributed to the way police work comes naturally to him.
“It’s why I wake up and put on the badge, and, at the end of the day, it reminds me why I chose this career in the first place,” he said. “My dad instilled in me the importance of helping those in need, putting others first and trying to make a difference in the world in any way possible.”
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