The Halifax County Sheriff's Office recently honored two men who work behind the scenes.

The office honored Corey Johnson as detention officer of the year and Sergeant Andrew Pittman as deputy sheriff of the year.

“Officer Johnson has displayed outstanding dedication and great work habits,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said. “He has prevented more contraband than any officer this year. Officer Johnson has consistently performed at a more than effective level.”

Johnson had a perfect attendance record in 2014, Tripp said. “I am proud to work with Officer Johnson. He is a great example of a dedicated employee.”

Tripp said this afternoon the contraband Johnson has seized, much of it found before it enters the jail, includes cigarettes and homemade weapons, as well as drugs and lighters. “Officer Johnson intercepted inmate mail related to an on-going murder investigation and has consistently performed at an effective level.”

Pittman has been with the sheriff's office since January of 1989, working mainly courtroom security the majority of his career. “Pittman’s reputation for being a judge’s favorite went well above being safety-minded in court. Superior and district court judges have praised his ability to handle a courtroom and assist the public simultaneously. Sergeant Pittman always has a positive attitude and he has embraced assisting the public, defense attorneys, and prosecutors.”

Pittman’s most recent assignment is working with the tax department. “His hard work has been praised as he has set records for collection rates for the county. The most impressive thing is that he does it without complaints,” Tripp said.

Pittman, the sheriff said, “Is consistently great to work with, mentoring several deputies through the years, always willing to help and doing it with a smile.”

Tripp said this afternoon, “These are the guys that get the work done. They don't get as much recognition as they should. We've got 94 employees and everyone has a major part to play and plays an important part in getting the job done and that includes sworn and non-sworn employees.”