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Lake County detective honored as Deputy of the Year

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By Rob Zolman               Valley Journal

POLSON — Although he typically tries to avoid the limelight, Lake County Detective Scott Sciaretta said being recognized by his peers is “very special” and appreciated. He was given the 2021 Deputy of the Year award from the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association.

Broadwater County Sheriff Wynn Meehan, who is also the current president of the MSPOA, and Lake County Sheriff Don Bell presented Sciaretta with the award for his actions involving a mental health crisis call in December of 2020. The call created a risk of injury to everyone involved.

“We want to thank Scott for the fortitude he puts forth and the hard work he puts forth every day to help protect this county,” Bell said during the small gathering of family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers at the Lake County Courthouse on Thursday afternoon.

Sciaretta is a 13-year law enforcement veteran. He was off duty but close to the scene when he received a Lake County 911 dispatch call reporting that a man was threatening to harm himself. The officer was concerned for the safety of everyone involved as he approached the scene to  disarm a weapon from the man in an effort to protect him and others. 

“All in all, it worked out,” said Sciaretta. “I did my job and what I was supposed to do to make sure that we had a good ending, making sure the man didn’t injure himself. It feels good to receive this award but it feels better knowing that the gentleman is now home safe.”

The Deputy of the Year award is one of five categories of awards given by the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association each year. 

Sciaretta also said, “I really enjoy serving people. It gives me a good feeling when I know, on their worst day, that I’m there to help.”

For anyone with a mental health crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a state funded free program available 24/7 where people can call in for support and resources and remain anonymous at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). After dialing the number, a trained crisis worker will listen, provide support and access to help.   

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