The Rev. Donny Acton, longtime pastor of New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Grace Presbytery), has received the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Award, the highest honor the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office can present to a civilian.
Sheriff John Samaniego, who has led the department since 2014, presented the award during the office’s annual awards ceremony, held Januard 19, 2026, recognizing Acton for heroism, courage and selfless dedication to the people of Shelby County.
Acton was honored for more than 30 years of service to the community as a pastor, spiritual counselor and volunteer chaplain to sheriff’s deputies.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office chaplaincy program was established to address the spiritual and emotional needs of deputies, their families and victims of crime. Chaplains assist in crisis situations, including hospital visits for injured officers, death notifications to families, counseling for law enforcement personnel, and support for victims of trauma. They also participate in department ceremonies, funerals and public outreach and respond to major emergencies and disasters alongside deputies.
Chaplains serving with the agency must be active in pastoral ministry, adhere to the Canons of Chaplain Ethics, and have at least **five years of pastoral experience.
Acton’s three decades of ministry and service through New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office chaplaincy program were cited as examples of the sustained commitment the award seeks to recognize.
