Sheriff's office presents annual awards

Media release: The Sheriff's Office held its Annual Meeting, Wednesday January 23, 2013.  Employees were praised on their great contributions and the work performed throughout the 2012 year.  Sheriff Burkhalter, Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell and fellow Command Staff members applauded the efforts of and thanked all employees for their involvement throughout the 2012 year.

Each year, employees are selected for the work demonstrated throughout the year and are named EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR for that Division.  Winners of our annual awards were as follows:

2012 JOE ADAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

(Employee(s) who exemplify positive efforts through volunteerism and humanitarianism).  This award is presented in memory of Sheriff Joe Adams (1953-1973) for contributions to our community as a whole.

2012 JOE ADAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

SGT. JAMES WOMACK

Sgt. James Womack is currently employed as a Sergeant with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office.  Sgt. Womack is very active in our community and in the Sheriff's Youth Initiatives.  Sgt. Womack engaged in and took on a major role in a Halloween event Zombieland Haunted, a fundraiser which aids in providing funds for various Sheriff's Office Youth initiatives, one being our CHAMPS program which promotes safety and drug intervention in our schools. In addition, Sgt. Womack has been instrumental in the role he plays in the Floyd County Sheriff's Office Turning Point program, where youth are exposed to a realistic view of the consequences of their choices and aims to educate youth in a way that will turn them from making decision that may lead to illegal behavior.  Sgt. Womack works earnestly to help point youth who come through the program in a more positive direction.  Sgt Womack attended Coosa High School.  He is certified as a Jail Officer and Peace Officer and has over 12 years of service with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office where he has served in various capacities to include, Jail Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Corporal and Sergeant.  Sgt. Womack resides in Rome with his wife, and two children.

2012 JAIL OPERATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

JAIL OFFICER JOHN BROOKS

Ofc. John Brooks was noted by the Employee Recognition Committee as being an employee who exceeds what is expected or required to perform his job.  Brooks is also as "an extremely devoted hard worker, who takes initiative to do what has to be done without being asked to."  He never complains about work assignments and always assists coworkers as well as the general public.  Officer Brooks is an all-around-guy who takes pride in his work and is highly praised by his peers and supervisors.  Ofc. Brooks has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since May 22, 1999. He is a graduate of West Rome High School.  Ofc. Brooks resides in Rome with his wife, and two children.

2012 FIELD OPERATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

DEPUTY RODNEY LEONARD

Dep. Rodney Leonard was noted by the Employee Recognition Committee as being one who demonstrates extraordinary commitment and initiative. As one of our most senior deputies, Rodney sets a fine example of professionalism for our younger staff to follow. Rodney impresses upon others his positive attitude about work and family. Leonard's meticulous approach and attentiveness to his duties are prompted and affirmed by the respect and faithfulness he has continually shown for the past 22 years. Dep. Leonard has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since March 11, 1990. He resides in Rome with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of Model High School.

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER - 4^TH QUARTER 2012

JAIL OFFICER MALITA KEITH

Ofc. Malita Keith was named Employee of the Quarter ending December 31, 2012 and was nominated by her peers. Malita is recognized for her exemplary contributions in performance, by constantly exceeding what is expected of her.  Malita is noted as being an "exceptional employee who goes beyond her duties every day." Malita is seen as dependable and will not hesitate to assist staff.  Ofc. Keith's supervisors see her as always striving to learn and very conscientious about her work performance.  Even though her assigned duties are in medical, Ofc. Keith's willingness to assist jail staff and supervisors is outstanding. Malita is described as a person "always willing to go the extra mile for her fellow employees to reduce their workload," and often volunteers to come in early or stay late to ensure any job gets done. Ofc. Keith's strong but sound work ethic highly impacts employees as well as the public.  Malita takes initiative and has a great attitude.  Malita is well liked by her supervisors and co-workers.  Keith's hard work sets the standard for other officers and new hires. Ofc. Keith received three nominations from her peers, two from supervisors and one from an attending physician and nursing staff; all note her as being a complete professional in all aspects of her duties.  "Malita has made medical care a stable and controlled process befitting all parties and responds well to any and all task posed to her."  Malita earnestly strives to be a positive role model. Ofc. Keith has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since June 25, 2012. She is a graduate of Highland High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Ofc. Keith also earned a Radio Broadcasting Certificate, attended the University of Maryland (European Division) and City College of Chicago for Oceanography. Please congratulate Officer Malita Keith on a job well done!

	2012 TOP GUN AWARD DEPUTY JEFF BLACK Dep. Jeff Black was awarded, "Top Gun" honors for the Floyd County Sheriff's Office for achieving the top agency scores during firearms qualifications for 2012.

RESERVE DEPUTY OF THE YEAR 2012

	Dep. Ronnie Kilgo was noted by the Employee Recognition Committee for his loyalty and devotion as a Reserve Deputy of the Floyd County Sheriff's Office. Dep. Kilgo demonstrates exceptional dedication and initiative and is always eager to work to assist the shifts or help in community projects. We are lucky to have Ronnie as one of our reserve staff. POSSE MEMBERS RECOGNIZED THE FERGUSON FAMILY

POSSE MEMBERS RECOGNIZED

THE FERGUSON FAMILY 

The Ferguson family works tirelessly for the Floyd County Sheriff's Posse at any given time.  You need only make them aware of a situation and can count on their participation.  Their committed effort is to be commended.  The Ferguson family is highly praised for their selfless acts of kindness.

The Floyd County Sheriff's Office proudly announces these award winners for a job well done!  Each employee was encouraged to participate in our volunteer opportunities and to keep up their dedicated efforts to work as a team and to be Positive in Our Community!