TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Ranch: “Public Servant of the Year”

SUBMITTED PHOTO - Allen County Sheriff David Gladieux, Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen, Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder, Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden, Grant County Sheriff Reggie Nevels, La Porte County Sheriff John Boyd, Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain, Ripley County Sheriff Jeff Cumberworth, Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps, Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse, Indiana auto dealer John Jones and UAW Local 933 President Gary Holmes joined former Marion County Sheriff John Layton in honoring Kevin Orme at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch recently.

A local resident was recently awarded 2022 “Public Servant of the Year” by the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.

“It was an honor to receive it from such a group that truly epitomizes public service,” said Kevin Orme, Executive Director of Construction Services for the Indiana Department of Correction. “I design and build prisons.. and other things.”

Orme is also on the Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department.

He admits to being the “busiest at work I’ve ever been in my career after 33 years in corrections.”

ISYR’s board credits Orme with voluntarily and routinely advising the not-for-profit as they conceptualize, plan and fundraise for needed training facilities, housing accommodations, and utilities for the 62-acre training retreat located on State Road 59, just south of Brazil.

Orme enjoys working with the Youth Ranch.

“It’s a noble cause: mentoring future law enforcement officers, bonding with at-risk kids,” Orme said. “My career in Indiana government allows me to help many people from many places in many ways, but this project is here in my home community and benefits communities statewide.”

According to ISYR officials, Orme’s unique vantage point as a corrections executive and an ISYR volunteer helps him envision a direct correlation between law enforcement’s outreach to kids and young families with more productive citizens and less criminal activity.

“Kevin Orme has been a blessing to our cause and construction,” said former Marion County Sheriff John Layton, Youth Ranch founder and board president. “He’s taking us from brainstorming to blueprints, concepts to construction. Kevin has a servant’s heart, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Brazil Mayor Bryan Wyndham and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb worked with Orme to secure federal pass-through funds to equip the Youth Ranch with safe, reliable city water.

“Kevin Orme was instrumental in helping get water to the youth ranch,” said Wyndham. “He introduced me to the person and agency that helped us achieve that project. It’s well deserved.”

Layton said Orme’s next ISYR projects involve building four youth cabins and a nondenominational peace chapel.

“When completed, ISYR will offer overnight bunks to 100 youth and 20 chaperones, two commercial kitchens, and two indoor training facilities,” Layton said. “That will be in addition to three stocked lakes, 40-plus acres of managed, rolling woods, and seemingly miles of trails with scattered outdoor classrooms and recreation areas.”