Sgt. Lance Modispacher is retiring as public information officer for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office this month after more than 23 years of service.
Modispacher plans to work with his wife, Kellie, selling real estate for Century 21. He recently received his real estate license.
Sgt. Tom Mezzetta will replace Modispacher.
Modispacher worked in the patrol and jail division and as investigator. He was promoted to sergeant in 1991, and has supervised the patrol, jail and administration divisions.
He received Officer of the Year in 1988 and Supervisor of the Year in 1994.
On April 18, 1998, Modispacher removed a woman from a burning vehicle. That act earned him the department's Life Saving Award.
"Everyone has heard the story about the guy who would give you the shirt off his back," Chief Deputy Bob Rudnick said. "Well, Lance is that person and then some. He is a special man who has always gone the extra mile. I have witnessed this in his private life as well as his professional career at the sheriff's department.
"As Lance retires from the sheriff's department, I personally lose a very dedicated and loyal co-worker but, more importantly, my brother whom I have always trusted with my life, on and off duty."
Modispacher played a crucial role in the development of the county's Neighborhood Watch Program and the Citizens Patrol Unit. He was also instrumental in the redevelopment of the SWAT unit.
As public information officer, Modispacher regularly attends DARE and GREAT graduations and gives tours of the sheriff's office to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and students. He also works with the Explorer Cadet program.
Modispacher is an avid fisherman and hunter.
Lt. Steve Orr, who heads the patrol division at DCSO, has known Modispacher for 22 years.
"He hunts chukkar for revenge, rather than sport," Orr said. "When he is fishing, the fish just jump into his boat out of fear and respect for him. OK, maybe I've listened to too many of Lance's fishing yarns."
"He is respectful and considerate of others," Orr says. "He is patriotic and possesses a love and pride of country.
"He is a man of honor. He is dedicated and loyal to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the citizens it serves. I am fortunate and proud to call Lance my friend. I will greatly miss his omnipresent smile and energetic demeanor."
