CENTRE — The Cherokee County Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting Monday morning, May 11, in the Commission Chambers at the Cherokee County Administrative Building, approving a proclamation recognizing National Police Week and honoring local deputies for outstanding service.
Commissioners first gathered for a planning session at 9 a.m., followed by the public meeting at 10 a.m. The agenda for the meeting was light, consisting of only two action items.
Commission Chairman Tim Burgess called the meeting to order. A roll call was conducted to establish a quorum, with Commissioners Jones, Nichols, Shaw, and Teague present alongside Chairman Burgess.
There were no public comments offered and no remarks from other elected officials during the meeting.
Chairman Burgess led the Pledge of Allegiance, which was dedicated in honor of all Cherokee County law enforcement agencies and those serving in public safety capacities throughout the county. Commissioner Jones then delivered the opening prayer.
While no formal awards or presentations appeared on the agenda, several recognition’s took place later in the meeting.
Commissioners unanimously approved both the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included approval of minutes from previous meetings and county payables. No reports were presented by county staff or agencies, and there were no public hearings or items of old business.
The first action item approved by the commission was the adoption of a proclamation recognizing May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week” in Cherokee County. Commissioner Teague read the proclamation aloud prior to its unanimous approval by the commission.
Following passage of the proclamation, Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and Chief Deputy Josh Summerford were invited to address the commission to recognize members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office who recently received honors for lifesaving actions in the field and other honors.
Sgt. Mike Farrell was recognized for being named the South Eastern Field Training Officers Association (SEFTOA) Field Training Officer of the Year, an award recognizing leadership and excellence in training and mentoring law enforcement officers.
Several deputies were also honored for life-saving actions performed in the line of duty and presented with Life Saving Awards by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Those recognized included Investigator Seth Rochester, Deputy Catly Itson, and Sgt. Jonah Smith, each honored for actions taken to preserve life during emergency situations. Sgt. Daniel Holcomb, who was unable to attend the meeting in person, was also recognized for receiving a Life Saving Award.
Deputy Catly Itson was recognized for helping remove a man from a burning vehicle on Interstate 65 following a multi-vehicle collision while attending the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy.
Sgt. Daniel Holcomb, who was unable to attend the meeting in person, and Sgt. Jonah Smith were recognized for providing life-saving measures to a woman following a suicide attempt.
Investigator Seth Rochester was honored for responding to a call involving a person suffering a medical emergency. Upon arriving on scene, Rochester immediately began CPR and continued providing care until emergency medical personnel arrived and took over.
Several family members of the deputies were present in the commission chambers to witness the recognitions.
Following a brief recess for photographs, commissioners returned to business and unanimously approved the second and final agenda item, which placed restrictions on County Road 104, limiting travel to two-axle vehicles, with exceptions made for emergency responder vehicles.
No executive session was scheduled, and commissioners offered no additional comments before adjournment.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Cherokee County Commission will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at 5 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
