BRAZIL – Leaders of the nonprofit Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch have named Kevin Orme, Executive Director of Construction Services for the Indiana Department of Correction, as their 2022 “Public Servant of the Year.”
ISYR’s board credits Orme with voluntarily and routinely advising the not-for-profit as they conceptualize, plan and fundraise for needed training facilities, housing accommodations, and utilities for the 62-acre training retreat.
Orme, a resident of Clay County, said the Youth Ranch location and mission make it especially satisfying to him – professionally and personally.
“Theirs is a noble cause: mentoring future law enforcement officers, bonding with at-risk kids,” Orme said. “My career in Indiana government allows me to help many people, from many places in many ways, but this project is here in my home community and benefits communities statewide.”
From his unique vantage point as a corrections executive and an ISYR volunteer, Orme sees a direct correlation between law enforcement’s outreach to kids and young families with more productive citizens and less criminal activity.
“Kevin Orme has been a blessing to our cause and our construction,” said former Marion County Sheriff John Layton, Youth Ranch founder, and board president. “He’s taking us from brainstorming to blueprints, concepts to construction. Kevin has a servant’s heart and we’re lucky to have him as both taxpayer and nonprofit leader.”
Orme recently worked with Brazil Mayor Bryan Wyndham and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to secure federal pass-through funds to equip the Youth Ranch with safe, reliable city water. Layton said Orme’s next ISYR projects involve building four youth cabins and a nondenominational peace chapel.
“When completed, ISYR will offer overnight bunks to 100 youth and 20 chaperones, two commercial kitchens, and two indoor training facilities,” Layton said. “That will be in addition to three stocked lakes, 40-plus acres of managed, rolling woods, and seemingly miles of trails with scattered outdoor classrooms and recreation areas.”
Allen County Sheriff David Gladieux, Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen, Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder, Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden, Grant County Sheriff Reggie Nevels, La Porte County Sheriff John Boyd, Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain, Ripley County Sheriff Jeff Cumberworth, Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps, Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse, Indiana auto dealer John Jones and UAW Local 933 President Gary Holmes joined Layton in honoring Orme.
As ISYR’s 2022 Public Servant of the Year, Orme will be allowed to invite family, friends, and co-workers to a free springtime cookout at the Sheriffs’ Lodge and Conference Center, located on the Youth Ranch property.
For more information about ISYR, to volunteer or donate, call 317-460-4242, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com or write to ISYR, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.
