It was official recognition for a job well done. At an awards banquet recently, Lawrence County Sheriff Tim Sexton honored several members of his staff for having performed their duties in an exemplary fashion.

Sheriff’s office clerk Mary Ann Hunt was chosen as employee of the year by a vote of her peers.

“Mary Ann is a tremendous asset to the sheriff’s staff. It has been often that I have had comments directed to me about Mary Ann and the kind and respectful manner she shows to those seeking assistance at our office,” Sexton said. Hunt has been with the sheriff’s office 10 years.

Sgt. Randy Rogers was honored as deputy of the year. He was chosen by a vote of his peers and is an eight-year veteran of the department. He is a K-9 handler for Max, one of the department’s two crime dogs.

“Randy Rogers is an asset to the sheriff’s office through the dedicated effort and professional service he provides to the citizens of Lawrence County,” Sexton said.

Two deputies received office commendations. They are child abuse investigator J.D. McDaniel and school resource officer Charles Hammonds.

“Both deputies took on special assignments and have excelled in the positions they hold. Their efforts have been noticed by many and are appreciated,” Sexton said. “I hope the programs will continue, however, due to sever budget constraints that will only happen through cooperative agreements with other entities.”

Hammonds and his K-9 companion, Hemi, are assigned to work in the Lawrence County’s schools. The cost of the SRO program is paid by the sheriff’s office, the school districts and the Lawrence County Probate-Juvenile Court.

McDaniel works with Lawrence County Childrens Services to investigate reports of abuse, an effort paid for jointly by the sheriff’s office and Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services.

Four deputies were given office citations for their response to two separate incidents during 2007, both of which were volatile but ended successfully with the arrest of those responsible.

The four deputies are Sgt. Steve Cartmel, Cpl. Dave Wireman, Deputy Julia Jones and Deputy Jamie Pruitt.

In both instances, Sexton said armed individuals, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, had harmed other people and were threatening to shoot officers who responded to the calls for help. The suspects in both incidents were successfully prosecuted.

Cartmel, an 18-year-veteran of the department, was also commended for his action during the April 18 fire at the Grandview Inn. Sexton said the management of the motel even wrote him a letter, praising Cartmel’s dedication to his job.

Lifetime achievement awards were given to seven staff members who have 20 or more years on the job: Sgt. Quincy Milem, Sgt. Randy Goodall, Sgt. Carol Kitts, Cpl. Dave Wireman, Deputy John Tordiff, Corrections Officer William Winters and Dispatcher Joyce Caskey.

Deputy Darin Hamlin was given the saved by the belt award. Hamlin was involved in a traffic crash on U.SD. 52 near Tallow Ridge Road. While the cruiser was totaled, Hamlin, who was wearing a seat belt, was not harmed.