NEWTON – The Awards Committee of the Kansas Sheriffs Association has selected Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton and Wallace County Sheriff Larry Townsend to both receive the Sheriff of the Year Award for 2016, according to a media release.

Sheriff Walton was nominated in part because of the Hesston tragedy at Excel Industries.

As Pratt County Sheriff Vernon Chinn stated in nominating Sheriff Walton “Sheriff Walton conducted himself in the highest traditions of a Kansas Sheriff and lawman exhibiting extreme courage and professionalism in the face of extreme danger and tremendous challenges.”