BOISE, ID — Bonneville County Sheriff’s Detective Korey Payne has been named Idaho’s recipient of the Hometown Hero Award in recognition of his efforts to combat child exploitation and protect children across the state.

The award was announced Wednesday by U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis as part of the Department of Justice’s Freedom 250 initiative, which commemorates America’s upcoming 250th birthday. Detective Payne was selected for his extensive work investigating crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

Payne serves with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and is assigned to Idaho’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he has nearly two decades of law enforcement experience and has led or played a major role in hundreds of investigations that resulted in the identification and prosecution of offenders who exploited children.

In addition to his investigative work, Payne has mentored and trained other investigators and spent significant time educating parents and children about internet safety practices aimed at preventing exploitation and victimization.

“Protecting our vulnerable children is among the highest priorities for the United States Attorney’s Office and our collective law enforcement community,” Davis said. He credited Payne’s work with helping solve crimes and prevent additional children from becoming victims.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador also praised Payne’s service, noting his work with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and his commitment to holding offenders accountable.

As part of the recognition, Payne received a letter of commendation, a commemorative Hometown Hero medallion, and a United States Attorney’s Office challenge coin.