By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Anthony Carder was named the First Responder of the Month for January, an honor presented by Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Eagle Media.
The award was presented to Carder alongside his wife and daughter. Carder has served with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years, including the past 15 as a jail sergeant.
“It was really surprising when I heard it,” Carder said. “Of course, it’s an honor to be recognized for something you’re doing down in the community. It’s been a great honor.”
The recognition carried extra meaning, as Carder was nominated by his daughter. In her nomination, she highlighted not only his work in law enforcement but his character and willingness to serve others.
“First of all, it’s my dad, so he’s always been a hero to me,” she wrote. “This guy is the most understanding, respectful person you’ll meet. He always wants to do something to help out the community, even if that means he’s dressing up as Santa for Shop with a Sheriff. I have always looked up to my dad, and this is why I think he should win.”
Carder said learning that his daughter had taken the time to nominate him was especially meaningful.
“That was a big surprise,” he said. “I thought it was pretty sweet of the kiddo. She went the extra effort to write something and nominate me, and that meant a lot.”
As a sergeant at the correctional facility, Carder supervises a team of eight deputies, overseeing daily operations with an emphasis on safety and security for both staff and inmates.
“My day-to-day job is supervising a crew of eight deputies and making sure the No. 1 thing is safety and security of the facility and the people inside it,” Carder said. “We’re also making sure we’re a constitutionally compliant facility. Every day is different.”
Carder said the job can be challenging, as officers frequently interact with individuals experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“A lot of times, you’re dealing with people who are at their lowest point,” he said. “Sometimes it can be pretty hectic, but it’s important work.”
Carder said his path into law enforcement was driven by a respect for service instilled at a young age and encouragement from family members already in the profession.
“I’ve always had respect for the profession,” he said. “My grandfather served in the Navy, and I had a brother-in-law in law enforcement who told me there was an opening and I should check it out. It turned out to be a good fit.”
Outside of his work at the jail, Carder has played a significant role in growing the Reno County Sheriff’s Office’s Shop with a Sheriff program. The effort began as a small fundraiser through a No Shave November event and has grown into a large annual initiative serving dozens of local children.
“We started out sponsoring just five kids,” Carder said. “Each year it kept growing. This last year we had 81 kids, and the event totaled almost $15,000 in gifts.”
Carder often dresses as Santa Claus during gift deliveries, a role he said came naturally.
“I was kind of easy to rope into the Santa gig,” he said with a laugh. “Each year we try to add a little something, whether it’s Mrs. Claus, the Grinch or other characters, just to make it better for the kids.”
Carder emphasized that the program’s success is driven by community support.
“This couldn’t happen without all the sponsors and people helping out,” he said. “We had about 80 sponsors, a lot of them repeat sponsors who have been doing this for years. It’s really about good people coming together to help kids have a better Christmas.”
The First Responder of the Month program recognizes local first responders who demonstrate dedication, leadership and service beyond their daily responsibilities.
