Three Bluffton police officers recognized for outstanding work
Three Bluffton police officers were recognized for outstanding achievements during the Sept. 6 Bluffton council meeting. Ryan Burkholder, interim police chief, made the following presentations:
• Officer Dominic Francis – life saving award
On July 1, Officer Francis responded to an EMS call to a man who was not breathing. The officer took lead on the scene by improving and creating a protective mask. He performed CPR and continued to assist in CPR at the Bluffton Hospital Emergency Room until the man started to breathe and regain a pulse after 40 minutes without a pulse.
• Officer Tyler Hochstetler – letter of commendation
In the early hours of June 17 Officer Hochstetler received a dispatch call that involved three persons breaking into cars in the Eastland Drive area. He arrived at the area and located one subject who was running between houses. On foot he tried to apprehend the subject, who refused to stop. A short time later the subject was taken into custody.
In the early hours of July 21 Officer Hochstetler and Officer Korte apprehended several juveniles after a short chase.
• Sergeant Matt Oglesebee – community service award
For the past three years Sgt. Oglesebee has worked to make National Night Out in Bluffton a success. National Night Out brings the community together and allows residents to meet with local fire fighters, EMS and law enforcement officers. He has played a key role in organizing this event.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Jess Express Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- October 19 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026
- Production offers a modern take on the story of St. Clare of Assisi
- Bluffton volleyball edged in 5 by Van Buren
- Pirate girls soccer tie O-G
- Bluffton Council recap: Officers honored for 25 years of service
- Bluffton Clean Up teams up with Troop 3256 Cub Scouts
- Ada FFA: Feeding the Farmers
- Nov. 7 Fall Community Day at Bluffton University
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Fall 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
- DeWine announces $200M Rural Health Transformation program award
- Herb program with Marge Lafollette, Oct. 15
- Prairie seeding activity at Bluffton University, October 24
- Food for thought: Choline for the brain
- Results for 5K on October 2, Bluffton University Homecoming event
- 15 minutes with Sherry Miller, senior center activities coordinator