(KNZA)--Another top honor for Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, named as the Kansas Sheriff's Association “Sheriff of the Year.” 

This latest honor, presented last month during the Kansas Sheriff's Association annual convention in Wichita, follows Merchant being named “County Official of the Year” by the Kansas Association of Counties around the same time. 

Merchant was selected from a pool of nominees based on his personal and professional accomplishments while serving as Sheriff. 

The selection committee sought nominees who were active in providing innovative programs and services designed to improve the lives, safety and well being of the people they serve.

A few of those accomplishments are: “The Teen Lifesaver Initiative”, a program designed by Sheriff Merchant with the goal of certifying every high school student in Brown County in basic First Aid, CPR, and proper use of the AED. Automated External Defibrillator To date Sheriff Merchant and his team comprised of Brown County Deputies, Horton Police Chief John Calhoon, and County Health nurse Karla Harter have certified 481 students, faculty, and others who work closely with the school districts in Brown County. He established a Child Safety seat fitting station to assist people with the proper installation of Child Restraint systems. Sheriff Merchant also served as a member on the National Child Passenger Safety Board 2013-2015. Sheriff Merchant has also always taken a great concern for protecting the children of this county. He has developed relationships in both the private and public sectors to garner support and attention to the causes of children. He recently attended the 27th Annual Crimes against Children conference in Dallas Texas. “I’m deeply humbled to have received an honor of this magnitude from my peers.” “I can’t begin to express my gratitude to my staff, my family and my friends who helped make this award possible.” Sheriff Merchant said. “It’s always been a team effort at the Sheriff’s Office, I am fortunate to have a great bunch of guys and gals who take pride in what they do for the citizens of Brown County every day.” “None of this is possible without their hard work and dedication.” 

The Kansas Sheriff’s Association, established in 1957, held its annual convention November 12, 2015.