Pike County Illinois Sheriff's Department

06/09/2026

Chief Deputy Zachary L. Orr Completes National Jail Leadership Command Academy Class 56

Huntsville, Texas – Chief Deputy Zachary L. Orr of the Pike County Sheriff's Department recently graduated from the prestigious National Jail Leadership Command Academy (NJLCA), Class 56, held in Huntsville, Texas.

The National Jail Leadership Command Academy is a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to prepare current and future jail leaders to effectively manage the complex challenges facing correctional facilities and public safety organizations. The academy brings together correctional professionals from across the United States to develop leadership skills, enhance organizational effectiveness, and promote excellence in jail administration.

One of the most important responsibilities of a county sheriff is the operation and oversight of the county jail. Effective jail management requires strong leadership, strategic planning, sound fiscal management, and the ability to address the evolving challenges associated with inmate supervision, staff development, and correctional operations. The National Jail Leadership Command Academy provides correctional leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill these responsibilities at the highest level.
During the academy, Chief Deputy Orr successfully completed an intensive curriculum focused on critical leadership and management topics, including:

• Essential Leadership
• Self-Awareness and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
• Managing with Data
• Agency Internal Culture
• Collaboration for Jail Leaders
• Managing Generations in the Workforce
• Workforce Development
• Leadership Development
• Crucial Conversations
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• Budget and Strategic Planning
• Leading and Managing Change
• Group Problem-Solving and Presentations

The academy emphasizes practical leadership strategies, evidence-based decision-making, organizational development, and effective communication to help correctional leaders meet the evolving demands of modern jail operations.

Class 56 included correctional leaders from across the nation, representing agencies in Maryland, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, Virginia, Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and Washington. The diverse group of participants provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends in corrections, and share best practices in jail administration and leadership.

"Completing the National Jail Leadership Command Academy provided a tremendous opportunity to learn from experienced correctional leaders from across the country, exchange ideas, and develop strategies that can be applied to improve jail operations and leadership within our organization," said Chief Deputy Orr.
The knowledge and skills gained through the academy will support the Pike County Sheriff's Department's ongoing commitment to professional development, employee leadership growth, operational excellence, and the safe and effective management of correctional services.

Chief Deputy Orr has served in law enforcement for more than 27 years and currently serves as Chief Deputy of the Pike County Sheriff's Department. He is committed to advancing professional standards, leadership development, and public safety throughout Pike County.

06/08/2026

https://www.pikecountysd.org/news/arrests/

06/05/2026

Pike County Sheriff's Department Announces Graduation of Correctional Officer Bradley Ward from Basic Correctional Officer Academy

PITTSFIELD, ILLINOIS – The Pike County Sheriff's Department is proud to announce that Correctional Officer Bradley Ward has successfully graduated from the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center Basic Correctional Officer Academy, Session 26-29, on May 18, 2026.

The Illinois Basic Correctional Officer Training Program is an intensive eight-week course designed to prepare correctional officers for the challenges and responsibilities associated with working in a correctional environment. The academy combines classroom instruction with practical, scenario-based training to ensure graduates are equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively while maintaining the security and integrity of correctional operations.

Throughout the academy, Officer Ward received comprehensive training in a variety of critical areas, including:

• Correctional Operations: Inmate supervision, facility security, jail operations, and institutional procedures.
• Defensive Tactics and Use of Force: Proper application of defensive tactics, use-of-force principles, restraint techniques, baton training, and OC spray deployment.
• Fi****ms Proficiency: Safe handling, operation, and qualification with institutional fi****ms.
• Correctional Law and Policy: Inmate rights, Illinois County Jail Standards, and correctional policies and procedures.
• Communication and Report Writing: Effective communication, verbal de-escalation, and professional documentation.
• Health and Wellness: First aid, CPR, mental health awareness, and officer wellness.
• Crisis Intervention and Specialized Training: Su***de prevention, crisis intervention strategies, gang awareness, Prison R**e Elimination Act (PREA) standards, and implicit bias training.
• Searches and Investigations: Inmate and cell searches, contraband detection, and basic investigative techniques.
• Scenario-Based Training: Practical exercises utilizing a state-of-the-art simulator and mock housing units to prepare recruits for real-world correctional situations.

Sheriff David Greenwood commended Officer Ward for his dedication and commitment to professional development.

"Graduating from the Basic Correctional Officer Academy is a significant achievement that requires dedication, discipline, and hard work," said Sheriff Greenwood. "Officer Ward has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the citizens of Pike County and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in corrections. We congratulate him on this accomplishment and look forward to his continued service with the Pike County Sheriff's Department."

The Pike County Sheriff's Department remains committed to providing professional training and development opportunities for its employees to ensure the highest level of safety, security, and service for the citizens of Pike County.

05/26/2026

Press Release

May 26, 2026

On Friday, May 22nd, 2026, the Pike County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to State Highway 106 approximately 2.5 miles west of Barry regarding a vehicle being stuck by a Norfolk Southern Train that was traveling westbound.

The vehicle being operated by 18-year-old Samuel Oitker of Barry Illinois was struck by the train as he was leaving work at the railroad crossing to a private drive leading to Smith Agri-Service.

Oitker was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield Illinois where he remains in critical condition. The family is requesting prayers for Samuel.

Assisting at the scene was the Barry Fire Department, Pike County Ambulance Service and Air-Evac.

The crash is still under investigation.

Sheriff David Greenwood

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

Press Release

On May 4, 2026, at approximately 5:44 p.m., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in the 100 block of Van Buren Street in Kinderhook, Illinois.

Upon arrival, deputies determined that Marissa D. Lawson, 37, of Barry, Illinois, had unlawfully entered the residence and physically assaulted a family member. During the incident, Lawson removed children from the residence without legal custody and fled the state.

Lawson was subsequently located in Monroe City, Missouri.

As a result of the investigation, Marissa D. Lawson has been charged with the following offenses:

· Home Invasion
· Residential Burglary
· Aggravated Battery (Person Over 60 Years Old)
· Aggravated Kidnapping

This remains an ongoing investigation. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.