On August 10, 2004, Deputy Patrick Neal went to 303 Windship Court to serve a felony warrant. Upon exiting his vehicle, Deputy Neal was confronted by an armed suspect. At this time the suspect began firing his weapon. Though seriously injured, Deputy Neal was able to return fire thus ending the confrontation. Deputy Neal’s heroic courage, determination and abilities are an example for all of us in the Law Enforcement Profession to follow and admire. Thank you for your dedicated service to the Sheriff’s Office and the community that you serve.

During the August 10th incident involving Deputy Neal, there was no immediate back up in the area and Deputy Neal was alone. Several citizens came out of their homes to assist Deputy Neal and rendered first aid until back up and medical services could arrive. These individuals did not know whether or not the threat and danger was over. Without regard for their own safety they came to the aid of one of our officers. For this, the Sheriff’s Office appreciates and commends their courageous acts to come to the assistance of someone that they did not even know.

On January 24, 2004 Sgt. Chris Higgins responded to the scene of a shooting. Upon arrival he noticed that an individual had suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. Without hesitation, Sgt. Higgins began to render aid and applied pressure to the wound. He also summoned EMS to the scene. The subject had received a life threatening neck injury that Sgt. Higgins’ actions prevented the loss of life.

On September 9, 2003, Deputy Cornelius Garretson was working in the Medical unit at the ADC. One of the inmates on suicide watch had become very agitated and the individual’s mother advised Deputy Garretson that she was afraid that he would hurt himself. Therefore, Deputy Garretson began to conduct cell checks on this individual more often than is required. He did hear a suspicious noise and looked to find that the individual had attempted to hang himself with a sheet. Deputy Garretson immediately held the individual up to relieve pressure until someone could get to the location to cut the sheet. Deputy Garretson’s quick thinking and reaction prevented the loss of life.

On July 10, 2004 Deputy Ricky Ellis responded to a suspicious person standing on the Dupree Bridge over I-575. Deputy Ellis noticed that the man was extremely upset and that he was contemplating suicide. Using his years of experience, Deputy Ellis was able to convince the individual to go with him to the hospital. Deputy Ellis’ compassion and calming efforts prevented this individual from taking his own life.

On February 6, 2004, K.T. Lewis and his little brother, Phillip, were going outside of their home when a vicious dog entered their garage and attacked Phillip. At this point K.T. began to hit the dog in an effort to get it to let go of his little brother. When this did not work, he ran to get help. Mr. Courtney Stewart heard K.T.’s cries for help and came to Phillip’s aid. He was able to injure the dog enough that it let go and ran away. Both K.T.’s and Mr. Stewart’s quick thinking prevented the dog from causing even more serious injuries to Phillip.

Since Deputy Parisio has been assigned to the ADC he has had a spotless attendance record and is a natural leader. He always does more than is required and does it very well and he does not hesitate to volunteer for extra duties for his shift as well as for others. Deputy Parisio never complains and is a calming force on the shift when the younger deputies become upset, angry or frustrated. His uniform and appearance are always impeccable. He is a great example for the younger deputies to emulate. He exemplifies the standard of professionalism that the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has worked so hard to set forth in Law Enforcement and the community.

Corporal Daniel Higgins was recommended for four different commendations for exemplary performance throughout the past 12 months. These actions range from assisting CID in locating stolen property on his own to stopping burglaries in progress to helping in breaking up a burglary ring. Corporal Higgins takes the initiative to take the extra step without being asked to do so. He does not stop with just the minimum that is required of him and he gets remarkable results from his efforts. Corporal Higgins efforts have increased this agency’s effectiveness because he has taken many criminals off of the street. He is commended for his dedicated service and professionalism.

Investigator Pete Turcotte was recommended for the Sheriff’s Citation for Meritorious Service because of his continuous efforts to strive for superior performance beyond what is expected of him. For example, on July 7, 2004 he responded to entering auto and burglary calls in the same area. As customary he contacted CID and forwarded the information to them. However, Inv. Turcotte did not stop there. He took the initiative to follow up and speak with neighbors in the area. He was able to develop leads, which led to the apprehension of the offenders and recovered the stolen property. Investigator Turcotte did this while training another deputy. He is always striving to be a role model and to set forth the example for others to follow. He is commended for his hard work and professionalism.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office ADC recently attained medical accreditation. Sgt. Dana Lloyd was responsible for this monumental task and did a fantastic job. This feat took many hours of work on her part in addition to the cooperation she received form other employees. Sgt. Lloyd is an asset to this agency and should be recognized for this accomplishment.

On April 11, 2004 the Uniformed Patrol Division responded to a kidnapping call. Upon arrival deputies met with the mother of the victim. It became immediately apparent that there was a significant language barrier. There was no one available to translate and due to the serious nature of the call, time was of the essence. Deputy Irene Ruiz was asked to leave the ADC and respond to the scene for translation. Though not trained as a Detective, Deputy Ruiz began to interview the victim and extract very pertinent information that no one had been able to obtain. The victim was located due to information that Deputy Ruiz was able to obtain. With out her assistance this situation could have had a much different end.

Elizabeth Cook is formally recognized for her dedication to her job and insuring that the payroll of the Sheriff's Office is submitted accurately and on time. During this past year, a new payroll system was implemented by the County and Elizabeth mastered the new system with very little training and no documentation. She worked tirelessly to insure the cutover to the new system was transparent to all users. As a result of her efforts, the cutover was successful and many errors were corrected before the payroll was submitted.

Elizabeth is dedicated to her job and to insuring the integrity of the payroll system. She works many weekends to make sure each employee receives their check on time. She is an outstanding employee and is recognized for her work ethic, dedication, and tiresless efforts to make sure all employees of the Sheriff's Office are paid accurately.

On June 28, 2003, the Union Hill Community held their annual Siren Supper for Cherokee County Public Safety Employees. This event, in part, is to thank all county public safety officers for the services they provide to the citizens of the Union Hill Community and to Cherokee County. Linda Ruggiero is being honored by the Sheriff's Office for being the driving force behind making the Siren Supper an event of tremendous success and one the Sheriff's Office deeply appreciates.

Since the opening of the new jail, we have experienced many problems associated with visitation. These problems have generated complaints from both within the ranks of our organization and from the public. Many discussions were held regarding this matter. In addition, several strategies were tried with unsuccessful results. Though Lt. Curt Harrell had not been assigned to the jail for a very long time he realized the problem and developed a solution. This was a successful solution and significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the jail visitation. Lt. Harrell’s creativity and initiative is commended.

On Monday December 1, 2003, CMANS Agents responded to an anonymous tip at the Homestead Inn. While conducting their investigation Agent John New noticed a truck and camper that seemed suspicious. Due to his training and experience, Agent New further realized that he needed to investigate the camper more closely. Upon examining the vehicle he heard moans coming from inside the camper. He then opened it and found a kidnapping victim beaten and bound. If not for Agent New’s intuition and persistence in this situation could have ended much differently. His hard work is commended.

On May 6, 2004, an individual was arrest for theft and brought into the ADC. Deputy Keith Sobolewski was logging in the individual’s property and noticed that he had credit cards in someone else’s name. He then compared the name to the victim information on the arrest warrant and they matched. He then contacted the arresting officer and provided him with the evidence. Deputy Sobolewski’s observation skills provided vital evidence in this crime. He is commended for this example of exemplary work.

On September 15, 2003, Sgt. Shane Daniel was on patrol and noticed a suspicious vehicle and stopped to investigate. Upon interviewing the occupants in the vehicle he discovered that they had just stolen property from the Yamaha Shop. If not for his intuition and persistence this theft may not have been discovered until much later and the suspects may not have been apprehended. He is commended for a job well done.

On November 15, 2003, Investigator Herb Kruezburg responded to a burglary. After processing the scene and interviewing the victim he left the location. Upon exiting the subdivision he noticed a home under construction and acting on his intuition he decided to look in the house for the suspects. After entering the residence he located the two individuals responsible for the burglary. When he approached the suspects a confrontation ensued but Investigator Kruezburg was able to de-escalate the situation and effect an arrest. If not for Investigator Kruezburg’s determination and dedication he might have left the area and never apprehended the suspects. He is commended for his hard work.

On August 26, 2004, Uniformed Patrol Division responded to a burglary at the shell station located at Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive. While the other units responded to the scene Deputy Phil Sanders stayed in service and patrolled the area for a possible suspect. At this time he had no vehicle or suspect description, no direction of travel and no timeline of the event. However, he noticed a suspicious vehicle travelling on Bells Ferry Road. When he stopped the vehicle he noticed that the occupants were acting extremely nervous and that one of the passengers was sweating profusely. This raised Deputy Sanders suspicions even more. He then contacted his supervisor Sergeant Mike Painter for assistance. Upon his arrival, Sgt. Painter used his investigative experience and UPD expertise to gain consent to search the vehicle. Upon the search the evidence of the Burglary was discovered and the suspects were arrested. If it were not for the determination of both Deputy Sanders and Sgt. Painter these individuals may never have been apprehended. Their efforts are commended.

On November 10, 2003, Warrant Deputy Nathan Watson and Deputy Mark Anderson went to Earney Road to serve a Bench Warrant. While attempting to get someone to come to the door the Deputies noticed the distinct odor of Marijuana coming from inside the house. They also noted that there was an extremely bright light coming from inside. Rather than just leaving and notifying CMANS the Deputies decided to investigate further. They were able to gather enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant. Along with CMANS they search the residence and discovered a sophisticated Marijuana growing operation with the estimated value of $163,000.00. Deputy Watson and Deputy Anderson went above and beyond their normal duties of serving warrants and did not give up until they had the information that they needed to keep a large quantity of drugs off of the streets of Cherokee County.

On September 28, 2003, CID received information on a burglary and several stolen vehicles. Detective Charlie Brown and Detective Broadus Ledford began an investigation and revealed the commission of identity theft. Upon interviewing that suspect it was discovered that he had information on a homicide in Texas as well as other crimes in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Rather than just concentrating on their case these Detectives enlisted the assistance of their supervisor, Sergeant Bert Love. Sgt. Love, Det. Brown, and Det. Ledford began researching the information and determined that there was in fact a homicide in Texas and all of the information was turned over to the proper jurisdiction. Due to their investigation three suspects were arrested for the murder. Their efforts to go the extra mile are to be commended.

On June 6, 2004, Uniform Patrol Units responded to 1047 Middlebrooke Drive regarding a domestic dispute involving an armed individual who was holding his family hostage. Upon arrival Sergeant Chris Higgins took charge of the situation and became the incident commander. He was able to direct all of the responding units to the best locations and obtained all of the resources that he needed to contain this situation. Due to his quick thinking and organization skills Sgt. Higgins was able to control this situation until he was relieved. The hostages were released without injury.

Sergeant Jayson Moss also responded to the scene and was able to lead a group of deputies into the residence in order to apprehend the suspect. Upon entering the residence the suspect began to lead the deputies down a hallway. Immediately Sgt. Moss realized that this was an extremely dangerous situation for the deputies to be in and ordered them to back out of the hallway. If not for Sgt. Moss’s training, experience and quick thinking this situation could have had a very different outcome.