Debbie Mincks, left, watches as Bernie Lyons, center, presents the Distinguished Service Award of the Chapel of Four Chaplains to Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks on Thursday. (Photo Provided)

JACKSON, Ohio — Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks was recognized at a Buckeye State Ohio Sheriff’s Association meeting in Jackson on Thursday.

Mincks received the Distinguished Service Award of the Chapel of Four Chaplains, which was presented by Bernie Lyons, Jared Smith and Jeff Sandy to commend Mincks for his service to the community.

The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation are the sponsors behind the award and their mission, according to their website, is to honor interfaith cooperation and selfless service in individuals and organizations. The name of the organization originates from four chaplains who served on the World War II vessel the USAT Dorchester.

During an attack the Dorchester capsized and the men aboard crowded onto lifeboats to escape. According to the Four Chaplains website, pandemonium struck, but the four interfaith chaplains aboard were able to get men off the ship and when no more life jackets were available, linked arms and went down with the ship.

“In recognition of your lifetime achievement and for reaching the highest level of your profession, The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation is proud of your accomplishments,” said the award. “This award symbolizes for all Americans and for all time, the unity of this Nation founded upon the Fatherhood of God and the selfless service of our citizens.”

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com