Nominations are accepted from all county employees for the Special Achievement Award and the Employee of the Year Award.

The Department Head of the Year is chosen by the county manager.

Recipients are as follows:

Special Achievement Award – Judy Evans-Barbee, Register of Deeds.

Employee of the Year – Susan Gibson Morris, Processing Assistant IV in DSS

Department Head of the Year – Glynn Rollins, County Attorney

From left, Casey, Sheriff Tripp and Officer Tripp.

Meanwhile, Thursday night Sheriff Wes Tripp announced the deputy and detention officer of the year awards.

Ray Tripp was named detention officer of the year.

“Ray has come to work with us and has been enthusiastic and works very hard in the detention center,” the sheriff said in a statement. “He is liked amongst his co-workers and respected by the inmates. A detention officer has the same requirements as a deputy sheriff with a lot of liability issues. Ray is a model employee and has participated in several community events.”

Steven Casey was named deputy of the year. “Steven has been with us for a few years. Steven sustained a serious injury while going through (basic law enforcement training) and has worked harder than most,” Tripp said. “I have seen Steven mature as a deputy, and I'm proud to say he's a leader in drug enforcement at the sheriff's office. There's no doubt that Steven has had positive influences, but Steven earned this recognition by working hard.”