Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins presented Highland County Sheriff’s Deputy Devan Goen with the Highland County Prosecutor’s Officer of the Quarter Award Tuesday. Also pictured at right is Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera. (HCP Photos/Caitlin Forsha)
Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins presented Highland County Sheriff’s Deputy Devan Goen with the Highland County Prosecutor’s Officer of the Quarter Award Tuesday. Also pictured at right is Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera. (HCP Photos/Caitlin Forsha)
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Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins presented Highland County Sheriff’s Deputy Devan Goen with the Highland County Prosecutor’s Officer of the Quarter Award Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the Highland County Courthouse.

A career in law enforcement has been a lifelong goal for Goen, and members of the prosecutor’s office said it is evident that Goen “wants do a good job” and “genuinely cares” about the work he does.

Collins said that her office staff chose Goen for a variety of reasons, including his “even keel” demeanor, his willingness to help and his thoughtfulness.

“My reason is because you have the innate ability, for somebody as young as you are, to control your emotions just amazingly,” Collins told Goen. “No matter what’s going on, your voice doesn’t go up, it doesn’t go down.

“That is definitely an asset, not to let your emotions take control of you, especially in your line of work.”

Collins added that other staff members in her office “raved about how helpful” Goen is, discussed his considerate attitude toward victims and noted his “impressive” handling of difficult cases.

“The girls [in the office] talk about how kind you are when you come in,” Collins told Goen. “You are kind to everybody that you deal with, and you just do kind things that you want no credit or recognition for, which is outstanding.”

“Thank you, and thanks to everybody,” Goen replied. “I appreciate it.”

Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera, who also attended the award presentation, said he was “proud” of Goen, as he praised the deputy for his hard work for the sheriff’s department.

“I think you’ve made a great choice,” Barrera said. “Devan’s a great employee, and he’s a great asset to our office, too, for what he’s done for us. He’s not afraid to work.

“He’ll come in and work the jail, because that’s where he started at. Anytime we’ve been shorthanded, he’s been there to help us, and right now we’re really shorthanded in corrections. He’ll step up to the plate and do anything you ask of him. I’m proud of him.”

Goen is the second recipient of the newly established quarterly honor from the prosecutor’s office, as Greenfield Police Officer Jay Beatty earned the first award on Oct. 1, 2020.

In addition to the award, Goen received a gift certificate for a free pizza, courtesy of Joey’s Pizza. The prosecutor’s office thanked Joey’s Pizza for their support.

Donations from any business who would like to help reward the winning officers are being accepted. Any interested county businesses can call (937) 393-1851, and staff members will schedule an appointment to pick up the donation.