Ephrata Officer Honored for Fraud Recovery

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  Ephrata Police Officer Zach Smith received the city's 2026 Three Pillars Award on August 5“Ephrata Police Officer Zach Smith was recognized Wednesday by the Ephrata City Council as the recipient of the city's 2026 Three Pillars Award, an honor given to employees who exemplify the city's core values of doing the right thing, trusting and being trustworthy, and committing to the cause. Smith, a nearly five-year employee of the Ephrata Police Dept., received the award during the Aug. 5 city council meeting after being nominated by Sgt. Jack McLaughlin.”
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  Ephrata Police Officer Zach Smith was recognized for investigating a $600,000 Grant County Public Works fraud case“In June 2025, Smith investigated a theft-by-deception case involving nearly $600,000 in fraudulent checks issued by Grant County Public Works after scammers impersonated a legitimate vendor.”
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  The investigation recovered $150,000 in taxpayer funds“Working with county officials and Chase Bank, Smith traced one check worth approximately $150,000 that had already been cashed and helped facilitate the recovery and return of the funds.”
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  City Administrator Ray Towry stated Smith's investigation traced fraudulent checks“Smith's work investigating a Grant County Public Works fraud case played a significant role in the decision. "That was certainly a piece of it," Towry said. "That was an exemplary piece of investigation and diligence on behalf of the taxpayer." In June 2025, Smith investigated a theft-by-deception case involving nearly $600,000 in fraudulent checks issued by Grant County Public Works after scammers impersonated a legitimate vendor. Working with county officials and Chase Bank, Smith traced one check worth approximately $150,000 that had already been cashed and helped facilitate the recovery and return of the funds.”
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  Chief Erik Koch noted most stolen funds disappear quickly“Most of the time, the money disappears faster than we can get our hands on it.”
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  Mayor Steve Oliver praised Smith's professionalism and dedication“Mayor Steve Oliver said Smith's professionalism and attitude made him a worthy recipient of the award. "I've dealt with him before, just because he's been nearby, and I flagged him down," Oliver said in an interview Thursday. "He's just a great example of what we want to have. He was polite, friendly, attentive. Everything you could ask for, he was helpful." Oliver said Smith's reputation among both coworkers and the public contributed to the citywide recognition. "When you have someone that's polite and courteous and on time and really takes their job seriously, everyone does notice," Oliver said. "It just reinforces the culture that we're starting there."”
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  Mayor Steve Oliver called Smith a model for future officers“"I see him as the next generation of lasting for a full career there," Oliver said. "Officer Smith is young and he's tranquil, and as you can see, he's learning everything he can, and he's actually practicing what he learns. He's really what we look for when we find candidates for this job."”
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  The award highlights Smith's role in securing funds for Grant County residents“Towry noted that the investigation benefited more than just Ephrata residents. "Keep in mind that he did it for Grant County, not for the city of Ephrata," Towry said. "What he did had a positive effect on everybody in Grant County."”
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  The award highlights Smith's role in securing funds for Grant County residents, not just Ephrata“Towry noted that the investigation benefited more than just Ephrata residents. "Keep in mind that he did it for Grant County, not for the city of Ephrata," Towry said. "What he did had a positive effect on everybody in Grant County."”