Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Ryan Kiernan is an experienced professional in law enforcement and emergency services, currently serving as a Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since September 2023. Prior roles include Corporal at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Sumter City Police, as well as a Dispatcher at the Monson Police Department and Lieutenant with the Monson Fire Department. Ryan owned and operated Barn Side BBQ from September 2021 to January 2023, and previously owned Kiernan Landscaping until spring 2017. Educational credentials include an Associate of Science in Fire Protection and Prevention from Springfield Technical Community College, completion of training at the Western Massachusetts Police Academy and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class I officer, along with a diploma from Monson High School.
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Sumter County Sheriff's Office
The Victim Advocate program has been in effect since November 7, 2005 providing crisis intervention and supportive measures to victims of crime. The majority of cases handled by the Advocate involve sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, homicide, or other serious injury cases. The Victim Advocate’s primary focus is that of the victim or the victim’s family’s emotional, physical, and financial needs. These needs are addressed by acting as a liaison for victims with Law Enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Court. The advocate provides assistance with crime’s compensation, transportation, counseling, and shelter, injunctions for protection, loaner cellular phones, referrals, and informational brochures on victim related topics. Melissa Kunz is the current Victim Advocate for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and is on call 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. She has recently become a member of the death review team for children and participates in weekly staff meetings on problem child abuse cases at the Department of Children and Families and attends the Community Task Force on Sexual and Domestic Violence monthly. Melissa collaborates on issues to improve services in our county for rape, domestic violence, and child abuse cases routinely updating and distributing service provider lists and resources. Melissa can be reached at (352) 793-0278 extension 2379.