NY J01555

Investigator Michael Theetge of the Chemung County Sheriff's Office receives the Order of the Blue Heart Award from Wounded Blue, a national organization supporting law enforcement officers injured or disabled on duty

Theetge sustained a fractured skull and brain bleeding on March 29, 2024, while attempting to apprehend a suspect, requiring extended hospitalization and rehabilitation

Has served over 14 years with the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, currently in the Criminal Investigation Division, and was slated for promotion to Sergeant in June 2024 before his injury

Serves as commander of the Chemung County SWAT Team, president of the Deputy Sheriff's Union, and was the first drug recognition expert in his department with the highest grade point average in training

Works with the New York State Threat Assessment Management System (TAMS) team conducting threat assessments for schools and local businesses