BOURNE – From the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office: Thursday at the State House in Boston, the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association recognized three Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office staff members and our partner, the Michael English House.
Every year, the 2026 Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony celebrates the extraordinary contributions of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the communities they serve across the Commonwealth.
“Congratulation to the award winners,” Sheriff Donna D. Buckley said. “Their bravery, skill and commitment to public safety and second chances strengthens everyone in Barnstable County. This well-deserved recognition reflects not only their exceptional service, but also the professionalism of the Sheriff’s Office staff and our valued partners at The Bridge Center.”
Captain Peter Benson (of Sagamore Beach) was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year. Captain Benson’s recognition stems from an incident in August of 2025, when he jumped into a burning vehicle and rescued the trapped driver following an accident on Route 495.
Senior Radio Technician Todd Bergquist (of Mashpee) and Chief of Emergency Communications Tom Ashe (of Pocasset) won the Innovation of the Year Award for constructing a Mobile Camera Trailer that can be used at events and emergency scenes for crime deterrence and investigations. It has three remotely operated cameras mounted on a 25-foot pole. The unit can run on solar and generator power and images are sent via satellite or microwave transmission when cellphone service fails.
Lastly, Vincent English (of S. Yarmouth) and Joe Thorpe (of Hyannis), co-founders of the Michael English House, accepted the Strategic Partner Award for their program, Skilled Purpose. The program trains incarcerated individuals and people in substance use recovery in carpentry. They do employer introductions, as well as case management. Classes take place at The Bridge Center, the Barnstable County Sheriff’s re-entry center that connects justice-involved and at-risk individuals with addiction, mental health, job training and social services.
“Our partnership with Sheriff Buckley and the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office enables us to extend opportunities to individuals preparing for reentry, helping them rebuild their lives while strengthening a community that needs skilled workers,” said Michael English House President Vincent English. “We are deeply grateful for this recognition and proud of what we are accomplishing together.”
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