Correctional officer in Adams County Jail receives state award from Illinois Sheriffs’ Association

QUINCY — Adams County Correctional Officer Taylor Leszkai recently was named the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Correctional Officer of the Year for 2022 in recognition for his “above-and beyond” work ethic and his selfless actions in the face of extreme crisis.

A press release from the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association said Leszkai recognized a gap in services for recruiting new correctional officers and deputies, so he volunteered to attend community events to capture footage, along with training exercises. He spent hours editing film to create the Adams County Sheriff’s Office department recruiting video that is utilized today.

Leszkai asked if he could be a part of the committee to improve the field training officer program for the jail. He now is the FTO coordinator and continues to manage the program.

On Jan. 2, 2022, Leszkai responded to the jail’s female holding area where an inmate was hanging herself with a telephone cord. Leszkai quickly acted to pick her up, releasing the tension on the cord around her neck and ultimately saving her life.

On Oct. 21, 2022, Leszkai investigated possible criminal activity that may have involved inmates and a county employee. He alerted investigators of the possible activity and provided the investigators with information for possible criminal charges.

“Officer Leszkai’s strong work ethic and desire to improve the operations of the Adams County jail not only helps provide for safety of our citizens, but it also serves as an example to other officers,” Adams County Sheriff Tony Grootens said in a press release.

Leszkai started working for the Adams County Sheriff’s Department in December 2020. He since has complete his training as a certified county correctional officer in Illinois.