Amarillo Rotary South names McBroom as 2024 Randall County Deputy of the Year
McBroom's remarkable 21-year career with Randall County spans nearly every division of the Sheriff's Office — dispatch, corrections, transport, and patrol — exemplifying her dedication to serve the community she calls home.
Deputy McBroom launched her career with Randall County in 2004 as a communications officer, then spent a year working in the Randall County Jail before returning to dispatch in 2007. During her time in telecommunications, she earned an Advanced Telecommunicator Certification, trained as a tactical dispatcher, and was deployed to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Harvey, where she delivered vital communication support under extreme circumstances.
Her drive to grow and adapt led her to jail transport in 2022, followed by a move to Randall County Patrol in 2023. Since joining patrol, McBroom has taken on additional specialized duties: she is a certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member and a Randall County Hostage Negotiator, often juggling all three roles in high-stress scenarios.
'She is one of only two deputies in our department who have worked in dispatch, corrections, and patrol,' noted Randall County Sheriff Christopher Forbis. 'She understands the challenges at each step — what dispatchers face on the phones, what corrections officers deal with in the jail, and now what it's like on patrol. That unique perspective brings our divisions together.'
Lt. Melvin Seymour of the Randall County Patrol Division nominated McBroom for the honor, emphasizing her calm nature, intelligence, and work ethic:
'Deputy McBroom is a vital member of the Randall County Patrol Division,' Seymour wrote in his nomination letter. 'She has received numerous commendations throughout her time with our office, and it's my honor to nominate her for this award.'
Sheriff Forbis echoed that praise.
'We don't get into this work for recognition, but it's always meaningful when someone outside our ranks notices the sacrifice and commitment,' he said. 'Amarillo Rotary South does a wonderful job supporting law enforcement, and they couldn't have picked a more deserving deputy.'
Growing up in Amarillo, McBroom admits she was a bit of a 'bad kid' in school. Her transformation into a respected deputy began somewhat unexpectedly when she was working at a local store in the county.
'I got to know several deputies who frequented the store,' she recalled. 'Seeing what they did every day — and how they helped people — motivated me to apply for a job at the jail. Although there weren't any openings at the time, I was offered a spot in dispatch. That's how it all began.'
From her early interest in law enforcement to the badges she's earned since, McBroom attributes her success to a determination to serve her community, no matter where she's assigned.
Accepting the Rotary South Deputy of the Year award, McBroom expressed gratitude for being recognized in her hometown.
'Any award means a lot, but this one is special because it comes from the community,' she said. 'I've been here for 21 years, and to be honored where I grew up is incredible.'
When asked about her most meaningful experience, she pointed to her deployment in South Texas for Hurricane Harvey: 'I'll never forget how different agencies came together after such a catastrophe. It was heartbreaking, but it showed the best of humanity — everyone pitching in to help people who had lost so much. It reminded me of exactly why I wanted to do this job in the first place: to help people when they need it most.'
As one of few women on patrol, McBroom encourages others — especially women — to follow their passion without fear.
'Don't let being a woman, your age, or any other factor stop you. If this is what you want to do, set your mind to it and go for it. When people see me in uniform now, they're shocked because I wasn't exactly the model student in school,' she joked. 'But we can all grow and make something positive of ourselves if we truly care about serving the community.'
Now officially named the 2024 Rotary South Deputy of the Year, Deputy McBroom continues on with her long career with the Randall County Sheriff's Office. Those who know her say the award is merely a snapshot of her daily devotion — a testament to her unwavering commitment to the people of Randall County.
'She's been one of the best employees we've ever had,' Sheriff Forbis said. 'Our community is safer and stronger with her on the team.'
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Rotary names Ronna McBroom as 2024 Randall County Deputy of the Year
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Yahoo
Multi-vehicle crash during police pursuit results in jail time for Stuarts Draft man
A man who triggered a multi-vehicle pileup during a brief high-speed police chase in Fishersville last November pleaded guilty in Augusta County Circuit Court to five charges. Justin R. Harvey, 37, of Stuarts Draft, was convicted on Aug. 4 of felony eluding, possession of a Schedule I or II drug, reckless driving (by speed), operating an uninsured vehicle, and driving under the influence. On Nov. 18, the Augusta County Sheriff's Office reported that a deputy spotted an Acura driven by Harvey that failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection of Ramsey Road and Tinkling Spring Road in Fishersville. The deputy attempted to make a stop but Harvey continued driving at a high-rate of speed, north on Tinkling Spring Road and then onto Jefferson Highway. The Augusta County Sheriff's Office said Harvey ran into a curb and the deputy tried pinning the Acura with his vehicle, making contact. However, Harvey managed to continue, running red lights and weaving in and out of traffic. Court records indicate Harvey also went through several yards. The brief pursuit, which saw speeds exceed 100 mph, ended at the intersection of Long Meadow Road and Jefferson Highway, where the speeding Acura hit another car, resulting in an eight-vehicle crash. The vehicles were waiting at a red light. Augusta County Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Holly Rasheed said five people were taken to the hospital for treatment. At the scene, Harvey admitted to having a glass smoking device in the car, according to court records. Residue on the pipe field-tested positive for methamphetamine. At the time of the pursuit, Harvey was wanted in Waynesboro for a December 2023 incident where he was accused of firing a gun in the parking lot of the Waynesboro Walmart on Lucy Lane. No injuries were reported. Most of Harvey's Waynesboro charges went by the wayside in June after the case stalled when two victims of the shooting were previously no-shows for a jury trial, and a third victim passed away. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a non-violent felon. Harvey received no jail time but was ordered into an 18-month drug rehab. Three other felony charges were not prosecuted. In Augusta County Circuit Court, where Harvey pleaded guilty to his most recent charges, he was sentenced to one year in jail. Harvey, who was represented at the hearing by Samuel Thomas of the Staunton Public Defender's Office, will also have another one year and two months added to his sentence if he fails to complete the 18-month in-patient drug rehabilitation program following his release from jail, according to plea agreement. Harvey was also placed on three years of probation. More: National Night Out happening Aug. 5 in Augusta County More: Law change spearheaded by local attorney ends juvenile shackling in courtrooms Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@ You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Pursuit that ended in crash nets jail term for Stuarts Draft man
CBS News
04-08-2025
- CBS News
2 killed following house party in Harvey, Illinois, Identified
Two people who were shot and killed, including a suspect, following a house party in Harvey, Illinois, over the weekend have been identified. On Saturday, around 8:03 p.m., Harvey police officers responded to a mass shooting at a house party in the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street. Two shooters arrived at the scene and opened fire at the gathering. Five people were hit by the gunfire, including a 4-year-old boy, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The other four victims were taken to the hospital in unknown conditions. Police said their conditions were stabilized. During the incident, a concealed carry license holder returned fire and killed one of the suspects. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office identified him as 24-year-old Charles Lipsey. The second suspect was injured and taken to the hospital, and later placed in police custody. Later, around 4:40 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire near the 200 block of Calumet Boulevard. A man was found inside a minivan who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiners identified him as 28-year-old Jeremiah R. Adutu-Bofah. Chief Cameron Biddings said a second person was inside the van but was not wounded. He believed that the shooting was retaliatory following the shooting at the house party and stems from an ongoing conflict between two groups known to police. "These are not random acts of violence or anonymous individuals. This violence stems from an ongoing conflict between individuals with a long and disruptive history within our city," Biddings said." We are very familiar with them, and frankly, they've caused harm in our community for far too long." He said the department is exploring options in an effort to deescalate the feud. "We will not allow a senseless rivalry to hold this city hostage. We're pursuing charges where applicable, and anyone who continues to endanger this community will be held accountable," Biddings said. The shooting was said to be an isolated incident with no threat to the public. Anyone with information can submit it anonymously to the Harvey Police Department. The video above is from a previous report.
CBS News
03-08-2025
- CBS News
Child among 6 hurt, suspect killed by CCL holder in mass shooting at house party in Harvey, Illinois
Seven people were wounded following a mass shooting at a house party Saturday night in Harvey, Illinois. A spokesperson for Harvey said shortly after 8 p.m., officers responded to the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street for a shooting at a house party. Preliminary reports indicated that seven people were shot—including a 4-year-old boy who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and his condition was stabilized. Four additional people were shot and taken to area hospitals in unknown conditions. Their conditions were also stabilized. According to the spokesperson, two individuals arrived at the scene and opened fire on the gathering. A concealed carry license holder who was at the party returned fire—hitting and killing one of the suspects at the scene. The second suspect was injured and taken to the hospital, and later placed in police custody. The shooting was an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the public. Investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. No further information was available.
