Some didn’t even get to attend because they were on duty. As for the others, that delicious meal and fellowship wasn’t a given as many could be called away at any minute to answer an emergency call. But that is life for emergency responders who gladly respond to protect citizens on a daily basis.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently presented its annual awards to deserving officers as part of its year-end Christmas Dinner held at the ROC (Recreation Outreach Center) of Centre First Baptist Church.
Jay Penton, one of the chaplains at the Cherokee County Detention Center opened the meeting with a few words and also blessed the meal.
“I am a newcomer here and I am blessed to be here,” said Penton.
Penton recalled the words of his son who spoke to students at a major event a few years ago.
“Life is sometimes a dirty path but sometimes it is a four-lane highway,” said Penton.
“We know about four-lane highways and dirtways.”
“One thing that always helped me along the dirt path was God,” said Penton. “I think that is something we need to think about. We plan our ways but the Lord directs our paths. On a dirt road sometimes you get hung up in those ruts along the way. Some of you may be on road in a mud hole right now. We have news for you. God has got a plan for you and He wants to direct your steps.”
“We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Penton. “God sent his son to bless His Creation, to save us from ourselves.”
“We need to remember to keep on going,” said Penton. “We need to remind our children of that also.
“So as you travel this path alone we have to remember that Jesus shows the way,” said Penton.
“You are in here among friends and comrades,” said Penton. “I want to say bless you law enforcement, family members. Look at each other. This person next to you is here for you. God didn’t mean for us to do this all by ourselves. He wanted us to build a community.”
“We may plan our ways but the Lord directs sour step,” said Penton. “And He will show us the path that presents fullness of life. So let’s remember to seek Him out as we plan our steps.”
“We appreciate you being here,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver who recognized local dignitaries who were in attendance.
“I thank God for you tonight,” said Shaver. “You do a great job. You put forth a super effort this year to make Cherokee County a wonderful place to live.”
“We recently celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday and we would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.”
This year’s Sheriff’s Star of Excellence honorees were Cherokee County School Resource Officers Jordan Kelley, Dalton Cosby, Floyd Brooks, Brandon Harris, Kasey West, John Sentell and Jamie Parris.
“This year there are several individuals who are a team together within the sheriff’s office, our SROS,” said Chief Deputy Josh Summerford. “They do great work. We never hear anything negative. People praise them all the time and we appreciate what they do.”
The Chief’s Leadership Award recipient for 2024 was Brian Gilliland. Summerford noted his loyalty to the law enforcement profession and his willingness to step up.
Chase Garrett received the award for Most Felony Arrests.
Earning awards for Most Miles Patrolled, most DUIs, most warrants service and most reports was Gavin Johnson.
Zach Ellison earned the award for Most Warrantless Arrests on Patrol.
Justin Morgan earned the Crisis Intervention Award.
“To all of our staff we say thank you,” said Summerford. “You make our jobs much, much easier. We tell people everywhere, other sheriff’s offices, we are very blessed with great people and we are. It is an honor for me to serve you all as your chief deputy.”
“Most of the room is filled with family members and children and thank you all,” said Summerford. “Without your support we could not do the job we do. I know the sacrifices you make. Sometimes you are at a birthday party or a holiday event which may be interrupted and we really appreciate what you do for us.”
STAR OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES 2024. Cherokee County School Resource officers were recently recognized as the Star of Excellence honors during the recent Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Annual Awards program. Pictured are Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and Chief Deputy Josh Summerford with local honorees who include Officers Jordan Kelley, Dalton Cosby, Floyd Brooks, Brandon Harris, Kasey West, John Sentell and Jamie Parris.
CHIEF’S LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT 2024. Cherokee County Investigator Brian Gilliland was the recipient of the Chief’s Leadership Award for 2024 during the recent Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Annual Awards program held at the ROC of Centre First Baptist Church. Pictured is Investigator Gilliland (center) receiving the award from Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and also pictured is Cherokee County Chief Deputy Josh Summerford.
MOST MILES PATROLLED HONOREE 2024. Deputy Gavin Johnson was honored for having the Most Miles Patrolled for 2024 during the recent Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Annual Awards program. Deputy Johnson also earned awards for making the most DUI arrests, most warrants service and most reports. Pictured is Deputy Johnson receiving the award from Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver.
MOST WARRANTLESS ARRESTS HONOREE. Cherokee County Deputy Zach Ellison earned the award for Most Warrantless Arrests for 2024 and was honored during the recently Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Awards program. Pictured is Deputy Ellison receiving the award from Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver.
By Terry Dean of Post Centre Cherokee County Herald
