Sheriff Ralston recognizes outstanding 2016 employees
On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 3, Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston recognized his staff members f or outstanding achievements during 2016. The recognition was part of the EighthAnnual Employee Appreciation / Awards Banquet at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
Sheriff Ralston presented official awards to the following personnel ( in ascending order of precedence): Scott Blackstock and Kimberly Delp ( Jailor Commendations); Lieutenant Jamey Davis, Detectives Scott Shaw and Corey Tate, Deputy Chad Stafford ( Certificates of Commendation); Detective Eric Burns ( Sheriff’s “Extra Mile Award”); Major Michael S. Jones, Sergeant Russ Jones, and Deputy Eric Bohannon ( Medals of Commendation); Detective Adam Cook and Deputy David Salazar ( Sheriff’s Drug Enforcement Awards); Ms. Shirley Woodall ( Auxiliary Member of the Year), Ms. Sandra Gibbs ( Civilian Employee of the Year); Jailor Matthew Herod (Jailor of the Year); Deputies Ashley Silvers and James Rogers ( Judicial Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Co- Recipients); Deputy David Salazar ( Enforcement Deputy Sheriff of the Year); Charles Mazariegos ( Detective of the Year); Detective/ Lieutenant Edward Key ( Distinguished Service Award for Drug Enforcement), Detective Steven Yancey, Deputies Ernest Delong, Eric Bohannon, and David Salazar ( Meritorious Service Awards, for arrests of capital felons, or lifesaving).
Sheriff Ralston also introduced a new, official award, the “Pat Baker Ethics and Integrity Award,” created in honor of former Gordon County Sheriff Pat Baker, which recognizes one staff member annually who has exhibited outstanding honesty and integrity. Former Sheriff Baker was on hand and presented the Award, with Sheriff Ralston, to this year’s recipient, Deputy Kris Roberts.
Those in attendance were treated to special entertainment provided by Sonoraville High School’s Wildfire Jazz Ensemble.
Sheriff Ralston closed the program by reminding all of those in attendance of the daily sacrifices, not only locally but all across the nation, made by both those who serve in law enforcement as well as the families of those who serve.