(KLZA)-- During a meet and greet session Saturday to allow Richardson County Citizens meet Sheriff Rick Hardesty along with the Deputy Sheriff's in the County,  the tables got turned on the Sheriff when First District State Senator Julie Slama presented the Sheriff with an award.

Slama presented Sheriff Hardesty with a certificate making him an Admiral in “The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska .”   Senator Slama said Hardesty has done an outstanding job leading the Sheriff's Department in helping keep Richardson County safe. 

Sheriff Hardesty was surprised and accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff's Department saying “its never about me, it's always about the people that work here.”

A good crowd attended the two-hour event to meet members of the Sheriff's Department and discuss any concerns they might have.

Sheriff Hardesty said he was happy with the turnout for the first-time event. 

The Sheriff invites county residents to contact the office with concerns and suspicions anytime.  He says the public's help can be a vital piece in fighting crime.