CIRCLEVILLE, OH — Lt. Shad Caplinger of the Circleville Post and Deputy Jordan Bender-Smith of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office have been awarded the Patrol’s Distinguished Service Medallion for their courage and selfless actions.
On August 23, 2025, Lt. Caplinger was heading home when he spotted a disabled vehicle near I-71 South/I-270 East. Upon checking the scene, he discovered a woman leaning over a barrier wall on I-270. Using his crisis intervention training, Lt. Caplinger spent nearly 10 minutes talking with the woman and keeping her safe.
Deputy Bender-Smith arrived shortly afterward, and together the officers were able to guide the woman away from danger and transport her to a hospital for mental health care.
The medallion recognizes their quick thinking, professionalism, and commitment to public safety, highlighting the difference law enforcement officers can make in critical situations.
