September Awards and Commendations
Employees of the Months: Deputies Sammy Dozier and Michael Hawkins
On September 22nd, Deputies Dozier and Hawkins were dispatched to the western side of York County. Upon arrival, the Deputy Dozier observed a truck that was wrecked thirty yards into the woods down an embankment. Deputy Dozier also observed six severely injured individuals. He immediately went to assess their injuries and keep them calm until EMS could arrive.
Deputy Hawkins, EMS, and the Sharon Fire Department arrived within the next few minutes. After EMS began rendering aid to the injured, Deputies Dozier and Hawkins continued to provide assistance by helping to carry the injured up the embankment to a nearby church. Deputies Dozier and Hawkins further assisted EMS by helping to load the inured onto ambulances.
EMS and Fire Department manpower was severely strained at this scene due to the high number of people injured, the severity of the injuries, and the remote location of the accident. Two of the individuals injured were flown out by helicopter and the rest were taken priority to PMC. The medical first responders were extremely appreciative of the assistance Deputies Dozier and Hawkins provided.
The actions of Deputies Dozier and Hawkins are to be commended. Their willingness to go above and beyond their law enforcement responsibilities to help fellow first responders and provide assistance to the citizens in this county is a testament to their good character.
Life Saving Medal: Deputy Dillon Kimbrell
In June 2018, Deputies Kimbrell and Francisco were dispatched to conduct a well-being check. The deputies had information that the subject of the well-being check had made comments about hanging himself and then abruptly ceased communications with the complainant. Upon arrival at the house, deputies made contact with the mother of the individual they were checking on, but were unable to find the individual.
After confirming with the complainant that the individual was dropped off at the home and may be in the pool area, Deputy Kimbrell relocated to the pool area behind the residence. At that time, Deputy Kimbrell observed a male hanging from the pool entrance gate. Deputy Kimbrell cut the belt from the individual’s neck and got him to the ground. The individual was unresponsive, so Deputy Kimbrell called for EMS and attempted to revive the individual. EMS arrived and transported the individual to PMC.
Deputy Kimbrell’s tenacity, quick thinking, and prompt action saved this individual’s life.
Commendations:
Deputy Charlie Threatt
Deputy Threatt is to be commended for above and beyond his day-to-day responsibilities to recover a firearm stolen from Nichol’s Store. After receiving a report of a gun stolen from Nichol’s Store, Deputy Threatt followed up on the case after he was off duty. He identified the suspect, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm, and obtained warrants. He then worked with ACT to bring this person into custody. Deputy Threatt went the extra mile to ensure that this weapon was not used to hurt anyone while in the hands of a prohibited person.
Deputy Wyatt Melton
In September of this year, Deputy Melton got out with a parked vehicle on W. Hwy 55. While speaking with the occupants of the vehicle who claimed they were broken down and waiting on gas, Deputy Melton observed 10-12 large boxes packed into the back seat of the small vehicle. With his suspicions raised, Deputy Melton was able to determine that the boxes contained lighting fixtures that were stolen from a house that was under construction. By going “beyond the stop,” Deputy Melton was able to solve an unreported burglary and return the property to the victim undamaged. Deputy Melton is to be commended for listening to his instincts and showcasing exceptional attention to detail.
Detention Division Employee of the Month – Corporal Niesha Foote
Corporal Foote was selected for the Employee of the Month for September 2018 based on her character, knowledge, and professionalism. Corporal Foote was nominated by one of her coworkers that observed her interact with the inmate population and coworkers on a daily basis. Corporal Foote’s experience and genuineness helped to provide guidance and support to her fellow staff members during times of stress. Corporal Foote consistently performed difficult tasks that were outside of her official responsibilities. She met each challenge with grace towards the inmate population. Recently, Corporal Foote received a note with a hand-drawn picture from an inmate that was thankful for Corporal Foote’s compassion towards her and “giving her back a few human rights”.
Detention Division Supervisor of the Quarter – Sergeant Crystal Blauser
Sergeant Blauser was selected for the Supervisor of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter 2018 after being nominated by one of her staff members. Sergeant Blauser has managed to guide C-Team through multiple periods of personnel shortages and changing supervision. Several times, she was the sole supervisor on the shift and was able to delegate and assume extra duties in order to compensate and ensure her team’s safety and security. Sergeant Blauser is dedicated to her subordinate’s professional development and is consistently utilizing every opportunity to teach policies and procedures. She has recently demonstrated her passion for her own self-development by applying and interviewing for lieutenant and captain positions. Sergeant Blauser has an infectious and positive attitude, but can also employ the proper Use of Force tactics as necessary. She has earned the respect of her co-workers through her obvious dedication to her position and all other employees of the Detention Center.