KISSIMMEE, Florida — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office recognized deputies, civilian employees, telecommunicators and community partners during its Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony this week, including a character award for Deputy Alyssa Wolnik and Life Saving Awards for four public-safety recipients.

Positively Osceola reported that Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon thanked award recipients for their commitment to protecting and serving the community during the ceremony, which was hosted by Captain Ivan Molina.

Deputy honored for character and mentorship

One of the ceremony’s highlighted moments was the presentation of the July M. Rivers Character Award to Deputy Alyssa Wolnik, according to Positively Osceola. The outlet reported that the honor has been presented only three times since its creation in 2010.

Wolnik was recognized for opening her home to one of her students after the child entered foster care, providing stability, mentorship and support, according to the report. The student, Aaliyah Shaw, was also recognized with the Youth Leadership Excellence Award for resilience, leadership, academic achievement and volunteer service.

Life Saving Awards and public-safety service

The ceremony also recognized quick lifesaving actions by public-safety personnel. Positively Osceola listed Deputy Xavier Rivera, Deputy Jose Quinones, Kirk McDonald and Eddie Ramos as Life Saving Award recipients.

Other recognitions included Employee of the Month awards, the Distinguished Service Award for Sergeant John Rios, Telecommunicator of the Quarter for Supervisor Christi Mullis, certificates of appreciation, unit citations, Back the Blue recognition, community partner recognition and longevity awards for employees serving from five to 35 years.

Why this story matters

Awards ceremonies rarely make national headlines, but they often show the full support system behind public safety: patrol deputies, telecommunicators, supervisors, civilian staff and community partners. In Osceola County, the public recognition centered on service, character, leadership, lifesaving work and long-term commitment.

ThinBlueNews is keeping the story focused on the publicly reported recognition and the named award recipients. No private case details, victim medical details or unsourced incident claims are added beyond the source report.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: This article is based on source-backed local reporting and uses a real ceremony photo from Positively Osceola with attribution. ThinBlueNews added headline/source labeling and used no AI-generated officer, rescue or award imagery.