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'Hometown Hero' Josh Boller
By JARED JERNAGAN
Assistant Editor
With a history of disregarding his own safety in the name of serving Putnam County, Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Boller has been named the winner of the Scorpion Protective Coatings Hometown Hero contest.
Boller was honored by the City of Greencastle and the Sheriff's Merit Board last winter after he rescued a woman trapped in a burning house on Albin Pond Road. Arriving on the scene of the burning home, Boller entered the house, found the unconscious victim and pulled her to safety.
The deputy was treated for smoke inhalation, but said it was all worth it.
Boller was nominated by his mother-in-law, Becky Wallace, who said this act of bravery was just one example of the selfless attitude he carries into his job each day.
"Josh joined the sheriff's department wanting to be able to help in making our county, his home, a better place to live," Wallace wrote in her nomination. "Josh thought of the dangers that came with the job but never hesitated in accepting the responsibilities. Josh has served our county and has been a part of helping and or saving many lives throughout his career.
"Josh has encountered horrifying accidents and has had guns and knives pulled on him along with violent and intoxicated or drug induced individuals that are not always easily subdued, but Josh continues to be proud to be a community servant."
After reviewing the nominations for their Hometown Hero award, Scorpion officials decided Boller clearly exemplified the kind of individual they hoped to honor through the program.
For his honor, Boller will be a guest of Scorpion at the July 27 Brickyard 400, where he can enjoy the race from the company's corporate suite.
While Boller's police work was certainly a big part of his nomination and selection, Wallace also brought attention to service he had performed outside the line of duty. He mentored two young 4-H'ers, helping them obtain calves and then letting them keep the animals at his small farm.
He also helped his niece and another youth through their first year in 4-H.
"Josh gives up his time to stay at the fair with the animals and the kids and their families so that the kids can learn and understand the concept of being a caring and compassionate person," Wallace wrote.
Back on the job, Boller is also a member of the county's emergency response team and has partnered with two K-9 officers, first Sivo, who has since been retired, and now with Tango.
"Josh reports to work every day knowing that there is always a possibility that he may not return home to his family but he feels that what he has to offer to his community outweighs the risks," Wallace wrote.
"Josh is a tremendous husband, father, mentor and law enforcement officer and is truly a hometown hero."