Orange County Indiana Sheriff's Department

08/27/2026

Please join the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in congratulating Glen Schmidt on his promotion to First Sergeant!

First Sergeant Schmidt brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience to his new role, including extensive experience in criminal investigations and detective work. His knowledge, leadership, and dedication have been an asset to our department and the community we serve.

Congratulations, First Sergeant Schmidt, on this well-earned promotion!

08/22/2026

A Clean Cruiser & Great Community Partners!

A big THANK YOU to Paoli Wesleyan Church and these awesome young people for giving one of our patrol vehicles a much needed wash!

We’re grateful for the time, effort, and enthusiasm they put into making our cruiser shine. Moments like these are a great reminder that law enforcement is about more than answering calls, it’s also about being part of the community we serve.

Thank you, Paoli Wesleyan Church, for supporting the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and for helping keep our deputies riding clean!

We truly appreciate you! 💛🖤

08/22/2026

CONGRATULATIONS, DEPUTY JOSIAH FAIR

We are proud to recognize Deputy Josiah Fair on his graduation from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy!

But what does it actually take to become a Deputy Sheriff?

Putting on the uniform is the end result of a long process of training, testing, studying, and proving yourself.

🚔 WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A DEPUTY?

For a new deputy, the journey begins with physical agility and written testing, an extensive background investigation, and structured interviews just to get the opportunity to begin the journey.

Deputies must complete 600 hours at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, where officers receive extensive instruction in criminal and traffic law, emergency vehicle operations, fi****ms, defensive tactics, physical fitness, investigations, report writing, constitutional law, de-escalation, and countless other areas.

The academy is only part of the process.

Before attending the academy, a new deputy must complete approximately 300 hours of Field Training, working alongside experienced deputies and learning how to apply classroom instruction to real calls, real people, and real situations.

There are early mornings, long days and late nights. There are hours spent studying the Constitution, Indiana law, case law, department policies, procedures, and mandated state training materials. There are written examinations, practical exercises, fi****ms qualifications, driving courses, scenarios, and constant evaluations.

A deputy must learn when the law gives them authority to act, and just as importantly, when it doesn't. They must learn to make decisions under pressure, communicate with people on some of the worst days of their lives, and be prepared to go from helping a stranded motorist to responding to a dangerous situation in a matter of seconds.

The badge may be small, but everything required to earn the responsibility that comes with it is not.

Deputy Fair has successfully completed another major milestone in that process, and we are proud to welcome him home from the academy as he continues his career serving the citizens of Orange County.

Please join the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in congratulating Deputy Josiah Fair on his graduation from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy!

Congratulations, Deputy Fair. We are proud of you!

COMMITMENT • COMMUNITY • SERVICE

08/19/2026

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day

As summer winds down, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers statewide will work overtime beginning August 19 through September 7, 2026, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“We want everyone to enjoy the final weeks of summer, but we also want everyone to make it home,” said Orange County Sheriff Davy Henderson. “Our deputies will be increasing impaired-driving enforcement, but the best outcome is that we never have to make that stop. Plan ahead, drive sober, and help us keep Orange County roads safe.”

Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in 2025, nearly 23% of Indiana’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol, and more than 41% involved drug impairment.

“Impaired driving continues to be one of the most serious threats on our roadways, and we’re focused on reducing these tragedies through education and enforcement,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reminds everyone that impaired driving is preventable. When you choose a sober ride, you’re helping protect your community and ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

Have a Plan Whether You’re Driving, Riding, or Hosting:

• Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home.

• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

• If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.

• If you see an impaired driver, call 911. Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, administered by ICJI, is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 44 minutes. In 2024, 11,904 people died in

07/27/2026

What began as a welfare check for a possible deceased individual quickly evolved into a successful multi-agency criminal investigation thanks to the teamwork of several law enforcement partners and the keen nose of K9 Blitz.

Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Wesley Chapel Gulf area after receiving a report of a possible deceased person inside a cave. A vehicle located at the trailhead was occupied by a male who initially denied ever entering the cave. After deputies confirmed no one was inside the cave, the individual changed his story and admitted he had, in fact, been inside.

Based on numerous criminal indicators observed during the investigation, K9 Blitz conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics.

A subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, multiple loaded handguns that were readily accessible to the driver and in close proximity to the suspected narcotics, and Illegally harvested ginseng.

The U.S. Forest Service advised deputies they had been searching for the individual for several months and indicated they would be pursuing additional charges related to cave violations. Indiana Conservation Officers also assisted with the investigation involving the illegally harvested ginseng.

The driver of the vehicle was the sole occupant and was incarcerated in the Orange County Security Center without further incident.

This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is proud to partner with the U.S. Forest Service, Indiana Conservation Officers, and other public safety agencies to protect our community.

It also highlights the continued success of K9 Blitz. Every deployment reinforces the value of our K9 program, which has helped remove illegal narcotics and dangerous weapons from our community. Blitz’s work not only supports criminal investigations but also helps make Orange County a safer place for our citizens and our deputies.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department thanks all agencies involved for their professionalism and teamwork.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

07/16/2026

Prepared to Protect. Trained to Save.

Orange County Sheriff deputies and dispatchers recently completed CPR and first aid training to strengthen the skills needed when every second counts.

We would like to thank West Baden Police Officer Ronnie Roach for taking the time to conduct this valuable training. His knowledge, experience, and willingness to train our personnel are greatly appreciated.

Emergencies do not always wait for medical crews to arrive, so this training helps ensure our deputies and dispatchers are prepared to act quickly when someone’s life may depend on it.

Thank you, Officer Roach, for helping us stay ready to serve our community!

07/13/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT! 🚨

If someone you've never met suddenly wants to give you $10 million, they're probably not being nice. They're trying to empty your bank account.

Scammers are getting more convincing every day. They may claim to be:
👮 The Sheriff's Office
🏦 Your bank
📦 Amazon or UPS
💻 Tech support
👵 Even a grandchild who "lost their phone" and desperately needs money.

Here's our recommended Scam Survival Plan:

🛑 STOP – Don't let anyone rush you.
📞 VERIFY – Hang up and call the business or family member using a number you know is legitimate.
💳 NEVER pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps because someone told you to.
🤝 ASK – If something feels off, call a trusted friend, family member, your bank, or us before sending a dime.

A few things we're comfortable guaranteeing:

❌ We won't call demanding payment over the phone.
❌ We won't ask you to buy Apple, Google, or Visa gift cards to "clear up a warrant."
❌ We definitely aren't accepting bail money in Bitcoin.

Scammers count on panic. Take a breath, slow down, and ask questions. If they're legitimate, they won't mind. If they're scammers... they'll suddenly become a lot less friendly.

If you're unsure whether something is a scam, give the Orange County Sheriff's Department a call. We'd much rather answer a quick question today than investigate a fraud tomorrow.

Stay safe, Orange County!

07/06/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT – HWY 150 EAST CLOSED 🚧

Please be advised that INDOT has closed State Road 150 East near Green Acres Golf Course beginning today. The closure is expected to remain in place through August while crews complete a culvert replacement project.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, follow the posted detour routes, and allow extra travel time. Please do not drive around barricades or through the work zone, as they are in place to protect both the public and construction crews.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while these important improvements are completed. Please share this post to help keep others informed and travel safely!

07/06/2026

🐾 Thank a Bark Above! 🐾

The Orange County Sheriff's Department would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to A Bark Above for their incredible support of our K9 Program! Your recent grooming of K9 Blitz certainly made him feel GREAT!

Because of generous community partners and donors, our K9 Program has been built entirely through donations—not taxpayer dollars. Your support helps provide training, equipment, food, veterinary care, and other essential resources that allow K9 Blitz to serve Orange County.

This program is proof of what can happen when a community comes together to support public safety.

If you would like to help keep our K9 Program growing, donations are always welcome. You can make a contribution by contacting Sgt. Chris Hubbard or by stopping by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Every donation, big or small, helps K9 Blitz continue serving our community and makes Orange County a safer place for everyone.

From all of us at the Orange County Sheriff's Department... thank you for helping us protect and serve, one paw at a time! 🐾💙🧡

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 250th Fourth of July from the Orange County Sheriff's Department! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom and the people who have fought to protect it. We hope you enjoy a wonderful day with family, friends, and our amazing Orange County community.

As you celebrate, please remember:
🎆 Use fireworks responsibly.
🚗 Never drive impaired and plan a safe ride home.
⚠️ Watch for pedestrians and slow down in busy areas.

Have a safe, fun, and memorable Independence Day!

Our Community. Our Heritage. Our Freedom. 🇺🇸🧡