Deputy of the Year

SENECA COUNTY --- Seneca County Sheriff's Office Deputy Luke Cantu was deemed the office's 2023 Deputy of the Year award last month. This is his second Deputy of the Year award. Cantu is originally from the area and graduated from Old Fort High School. He continued his education at Hocking University and Terra State Community College. "I began my public safety/ first responder career as a firefighter from early 2000 until 2018," he said. "Serving first with the Old Fort Fire Department and then the Green Springs Fire Department. Within those years I was able to work alongside some great individuals. One, in particular, firefighter and police chief, Charlie Horne." Then in 2011, Cantu began a search for a different career as a first responder. "Taking notice of Chief Horne's professionalism with his job and duties, I took a career in law enforcement," he said. In October 2012, Cantu was hired as a corrections officer at the Seneca County Sheriff's Office. He then transitioned in 2015 to the Warrants and Transports Division. Also in 2015, Cantu worked part-time as a patrol officer for the Green Springs Police Department. He then transitioned to the Enforcement Division in 2017. As a deputy, Cantu handles traffic enforcement, crime investigation, crime prevention, public safety and community policing. "With these duties, deputies encounter a variety of situations," he explained. "The toughest part of this job is observing citizens having to go through abnormal situations. The best part of this job, having an individual from a past encounter who has made lifestyle changes, thanking you." Cantu said Chief Charlie Horne taught him to have a positive attitude, be professional and putting others at ease can have a big impact on someone's life. "In my free time, I enjoy fishing and spending time with my family. I've been blessed with a beautiful family," he concluded. "This job could not be accomplished without the group of people I work with. From the command staff, dispatch, and coworkers, much appreciated." How awardees are chosen Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens said the "of the year" awardees are based on "a form that every employee gets, and every employee gets to nominate the person they feel fits the criteria for each category." The employees are required to explain why they are nominating a person for an award. Stevens said having full employees decide who receives awards "adds personal meaning" to the award rather than a person receiving an award by being selected by the sheriff or a committee. The criterion for the awards is an employee who "consistently demonstrates exemplary service to the community and agency". The employee must also understand that "outstanding working is varied and challenging, greatly affects people from all walks of life" and "improves the quality of life in the community they serve." The employee should also "embody the office's core values of fairness, integrity, respect, service and teamwork." Why Cantu was selected According to a letter informing him of the award, his "can-do attitude, work ethic and teamwork are something to be admired by other employees. Cantu also "consistently exhibits these values by example and deed". The letter also discussed comments from Cantu's peers on why they nominated him. "Extremely knowledgeable", "always has a positive attitude", "takes pride in his job" and "cares about Seneca County" were just some of the reasons he was nominated for the award.