Calhoun Sheriff Honors Team for Elderly Woman Rescue

Sheriff Zach Hardin recognized officers for locating and assisting a missing elderly woman with dementia in a neighboring county.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin traveled to the Jersey County Sheriff's Office to deliver lunch and certificates of recognition to Sgt. Kevin Ayres and 911 telecommunicators Kelly Nichols and Kaitlin Lewis. Hardin praised their actions in helping locate and assist an endangered elderly woman with dementia who was traveling through Calhoun County.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the dedicated service and commitment to community shown by law enforcement professionals, even in cases that may go unnoticed. The story also demonstrates the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and the compassion officers can display in assisting vulnerable individuals.

The details

On February 26, 2026, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was notified of an endangered elderly woman with dementia who was lost and entering Calhoun County. Calhoun County dispatch coordinated with Jersey County's 911 dispatch center to locate her. After a lengthy search, Sgt. Ayres found the woman on a side road in rural Pike County, about 50 miles outside his patrol area. Ayres used his own money to put gas in her car, took her inside a gas station, and waited with her until her son arrived.

  • On February 26, 2026, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was notified of the endangered elderly woman.
  • On March 6, 2026, Sheriff Hardin traveled to the Jersey County Sheriff's Office to deliver recognition to the officers.

The players

Zach Hardin

The Calhoun County Sheriff who recognized the officers for their actions.

Kevin Ayres

A Sergeant with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office who located and assisted the endangered elderly woman.

Kelly Nichols

A 911 telecommunicator with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office who helped coordinate the response.

Kaitlin Lewis

A 911 telecommunicator with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office who helped coordinate the response.

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What they’re saying

“Oftentimes in law enforcement, negative news outweighs the positive. However, there are many moments that highlight the dedicated service and commitment to community shown by our dedicated law enforcement professionals every day that often go unseen or unheard.”

— Zach Hardin, Calhoun County Sheriff

“All of the above-mentioned actions were done by Sergeant Ayres without the eyes of anyone else, showing true integrity and dedication to service by doing the right thing when nobody was watching.”

— Zach Hardin, Calhoun County Sheriff

What’s next

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office plans to continue recognizing officers who go above and beyond in serving their community.

The takeaway

This story highlights the compassion and dedication of law enforcement officers, even in cases that may not receive widespread attention. It demonstrates the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and the positive impact officers can have on vulnerable individuals in their communities.