The recognitions, which are based on job performance, were given to Teri Kimball, who was named Detention Officer of the Year and John Bozard, who was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year.
Said Kimball: “It’s a great accomplishment. It’s a major accomplishment. I like the work and dealing with the people.”
Bozard said, “It’s an honor, it really is. It’s a honor when you put in the hard work and make the right decisions.”
Captain Roy Rooks said, “They are two great choices. John works hard and is a good leader. Both are hard workers. Ms. Kimball is always taking care of business.”
Chief Deputy Scott Hall said that the accolades come from fellow employees “speaks volumes of the support they have from their co-workers.”
“Detention officers work in the jail, overseeing inmates after they have been arrested and before they go to trial,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “The job is quite dangerous and involves a high level of risk. A detention officer’s overall goal is the safe and smooth operation of the detention center. They must monitor inmates to see that they are not causing harm to themselves or others.”
Tripp, who began his career as a detention officer, said Kimball meets the criteria he looks for. “A detention officer must be able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Because situations can quickly become volatile, the officer must be able to stay calm and control their emotions. They must be able to come up with practical solutions to everyday problems.”
Deputies are ambassadors of the sheriff, Tripp said. “They represent the sheriff in many situations, so sensitivity to community issues may sometimes influence decisions.”
In Halifax County, the sheriff’s office serves 54,000 people over 712 square miles. “Sheriff’s offices serve as the highest law enforcement organization within a county,” he said. “The sheriff’s office is responsible for a variety of functions including tax collection, emergency response and legal notifications such as evictions.”
Their duties include management of the jail, courtroom security and transport of inmates as well as being sworn officers who perform law enforcement duties throughout the county. “In addition to the common job description, which includes executing warrants, traffic stops and arrests, deputy sheriffs also respond to emergencies and conduct criminal investigations.”
They must, Tripp said, “possess a comprehensive knowledge of the law and the community.”

County administration awards

In the photo gallery: Brown with Griffin, Hedgepeth and Hardy

• Click to open image! Click to open image!
• Click to open image! Click to open image!
• Click to open image! Click to open image!
•  

Meanwhile, Halifax County Manager Tony Brown announced the three annual winners of Department Head of the Year, Employee of the Year and Special Achievement Award recently.
They are:
Department Head of the Year – Gregory S. Griffin, public utilities director.
Employee of the Year – Henry Hedgepeth, shift supervisor with Central Communications, a
division of the Emergency Services Department.
Special Achievement Award – ITS Department. Pictured accepting the award is Welford Hardy
Jr., computer support technician II.
Each winner received a plaque.