For Immediate Release | May 7, 2026
Probation officers and judge recognized at annual conference
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush recognized probation officers from across the state for their dedication to public service during an annual educational conference. Twenty-eight officers were honored for their years of service and exemplary work, including one induction into the prestigious Order of Augustus. A judge was also recognized for her work with veterans.
Order of Augustus
The Order of Augustus is awarded annually to a probation officer who has been nominated by members of their community and selected by the Probation Officers Advisory Board. The honor recognizes outstanding commitment, leadership, and personal dedication to the field of probation.
For 2026, the Board named Christine Kerl, Chief Probation Officer for Marion County, as the recipient of the Order of Augustus Award. This distinction celebrates a career defined by accountability, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to positive change within Indiana’s justice system.
Steven P. Mennemeyer Award
The Steven P. Mennemeyer Award honors an individual who has made the most significant impact, achievement, or contribution to veterans in Indiana through their work in the criminal justice system. Pulaski County Judge Crystal A. Kocher was recognized for her exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing veteran-centered justice initiatives across the state.
25 Years of Service
Probation officers reaching 25 years of service were recognized for their long-standing dedication and the vital role they play in promoting rehabilitation, community safety, and justice across the state.
- Heath Adkins, Monroe County Probation
- Lisa Brittain, Daviess County Probation
- Christopher Brophy, Tippecanoe County Probation
- Jesse Carlton, St. Joseph County Adult Probation
- Melissa Chapman, Carroll County Probation
- Christina Cox, Cass County Adult Probation
- Conzzula DeLong, Anderson City Court Probation
- Michelle Dresbaugh, Newton County Probation
- Nikki Faletic, Monroe County Probation
- Brent Fultz, Morgan County Probation
- Andria Geigle, Montgomery County Probation
- Elizabeth Greenwell, Vanderburgh County Probation
- Penny Guthrie, Wayne County Probation
- Kelli Heath, DeKalb County Probation
- Julianne Ivory, St. Joseph County Adult Probation
- Meredith Kraft, Clarksville Town Court Probation
- Courtney Kruszynski, St. Joseph County Juvenile Probation
- Jeremie Lovall, Howard County Probation
- Ember Morris, Clinton County Probation
- Jessica Nix, Wells County Probation
- Steven McKamey, Howard County Probation
- Troy Proffitt, Miami County Probation
- Brandon Ray, Hamilton County Probation
- James Taylor, Porter County Adult Probation
- Johninda Taylor, Putnam County Probation
- Michelle Urbanski, St. Joseph County Probation
- Danyel Wagner, Noble County Probation
View and download photographs of the probation officers and judge
The annual justice services conference is hosted by the Indiana Office of Court Services, which is part of the Office of Judicial Administration. IOCS serves as the state’s judicial research and continuing judicial education agency. It develops and sponsors educational programming for judges, probation officers, and other court personnel. The office works to enhance the performance of the judicial system by continuously improving the professional competence of probation officers.
Contact
Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer
317-234-4722
kathryn.dolan@courts.in.gov