On June 29, 2005 at approximately 1:30 AM, Deputy Jeffrey Todd White responded to a boating accident. With the assistance of Mr. Clayton Bratz, Deputy White and Sergeant Hite were able to travel to the crash site approximately 200 yards from shore. Seeing a trapped male inside the Bayliner Cabin Cruiser, Deputy White stripped from his duty gear, entered the water and swam under the boat’s top shell to check on the occupants. He did this voluntarily and without hesitation. The water was dark, littered with debris and leaking fuel, with the presence of little to no lighting. Deputy White risked his own safety to check on the safety and injuries to those on board the damaged watercraft. Deputy White found a male victim and was able to ensure the male’s head was out of the water as well as reposition the male’s head to open his airway.

The Cherokee Sheriff’s Awards Board found that Deputy White acted voluntarily, without regard for personal risks or individual safety, undertook such action under circumstances of clear and obvious peril; and clearly displayed courage that was distinct from what is normally expected of the public safety profession.

On April 12, 2005 at approximately 7:50 AM Deputy Chavez, Deputy Thurman, Deputy Lee and Corporal Peavy responded to a motor vehicle crash. The vehicles were fully engulfed in flames. One vehicle operator was trapped inside and gasoline was leaking from the vehicle’s tank. Deputy Chavez was the first to arrive and immediately began an attempt to extinguish the fire. Deputy Thurman arrived and took over extinguishing efforts which Deputy Chavez and Corporal Peavy attempted to extract the driver. Due to the extent of the damage of the vehicles, the driver could not be removed. Deputy Chavez and Corporal Peavy covered the drier with their rain gear to prevent any further injuries. Corporal Peavy and Deputy Stewart and Deputy Thurman continued fire fighting efforts Deputy Chavez remained with the driver, talking with him and keeping him calm until the fire department was able to extract him from the vehicle.

On December 23, 2004 Deputy Daryl Clark responded to 617 Devonbrooke Drive, Woodstock to a “Person Down” call. Upon his arrival he discovered an elderly male in “full cardiac arrest”. Deputy Clark immediately began CPR until EMS arrived to relieve him. Ultimately the man – who lived in Venezuela and was in Georgia visiting his daughter for Christmas, was resuscitated and lived through Christmas.

On March 26, 2005 Deputy Thompkins responded to a “Person Down” call on Wilma Gunter Circle, Acworth. Upon his arrival he found a quadriplegic man had suffered a fall and had become wedged between the toilet and the bath tub. Deputy Thompkins was able to reposition the subject and determined that the victim had a pulse but was not breathing. Deputy Thompkins performed rescue breathing techniques on the victim until EMS arrived and took over.

During the course of the year 2005, Sergeant Higgins has performed his duties in an exemplary manner. Over the period of five Saturdays, he successfully completed a college level and P.O.S.T. Management curriculum course on Managing Police Operations. Sergeant Higgins took it upon him self in March of this year to arrange for a specialist from the Cherokee County Family Violence Center to come and provide training to his shift regarding Temporary Protective Orders. Sergeant Higgins works well with other agencies regardless of their location or discipline. Sergeant Higgins worked this year with Cherokee County Fire - Emergency Services to look for a suspected arsonist in the Arnold Mill and Trickum Roads area. He received a letter of appreciation from C-MANS for his referral of a drug matter to their attention that resulted in the successful pursuit of a Methamphetamine Trafficking investigation. He was able to utilize his personal network of professional contacts to arrange for Federal assistance to search for the perpetrator of a violent felonious assault on one of our Deputy Sheriffs. He works tirelessly in and for the communities he serves. One example is the extraordinary response he took in the Westridge Subdivision when he noted that a couple of incidents on the same date in that area suggested a sexual deviant was operating in the neighborhood. He ensured enforcement presence was increased in the neighborhood and proposed further proactive measures to address the situation. Sergeant Higgins is an exceptional leader in the Uniform Patrol Division. He sets the example for his Watch Team and others. He is a dedicated public safety professional who takes seriously his obligation to train and teach personnel in his charge so that they too can be as exceptional at their job as he is at his.

B.J. Free has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 1992. For the past nine years she has served as the Administrative Assistant to Chief Deputy Malone. In this role she frequently deals with members of the public as well as with other employees in the Sheriff’s Office.

Frequently, tasks and projects arise in the agency that do not fall under the scope of B.J.’s job description; and frequently the end result is B.J. stepping up to the task of accomplishing the task and or project. Her performance is always such that senior command staff personnel often answer the question, “who can do this?” with her name.

Over the years B.J. has sought personal development in the use of computers through formal as well as informal personalized study. Recently she was asked by the I.T. department to assist with the conversion of electronic files to a new format. B.J. spent three weeks and was undaunted in the completion of her work. B.J. is able to accomplish these things only because she made a conscious decision to better herself by seeking out knowledge through formal training courses as well as through personal individual study. This process went beyond the normally accepted practices distinguishing her from others.

Since her employment here B. J. has served as a role model for other employees by exemplifying the highest standards of conduct, appearance, and duty performance and has greatly enhanced the agency's organizational effectiveness in a manner that clearly distinguished her from other employees.

Deputy Jay Gonzalez has been an exemplary employee assigned to the Adult Detention Center. During his assignment he has been a positive example to all who work with him. He consistently takes on extra tasks without being asked and regularly works overtime to assist with manpower shortages. He speaks Spanish fluently and has not only used his language skills daily as a part of his regular duties, but has assisted the uniform patrol and criminal investigation divisions several times. Deputy Gonzalez has not been compensated for his bi-lingual ability, and has never made an issue of this. He has completed gang related training and has taken it upon himself to start keeping gang intelligence within the detention center, to include interviews and photographs, which has in turn forwarded to Deputy Sanders. Deputy Gonzalez produces a superior work product and has demonstrated very good leadership ability. Deputy Gonzalez is currently enrolled at Kennesaw State taking two classes each semester.

Sheila Hannaman is solely responsible for the processing of over 5,000 bonds a year that are collected at the Adult Detention Center. Her duties require her to deal with many county and city governmental offices as well as with the public. This monumental task requires patience and organizational skills that she has demonstrated over the many years that she has been in this position. She is an asset to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens that we serve.

Chaplain David Burriss has been a member of the CSO Chaplain team for four years. After Chaplain Mantooth retired, there was a question about who and how the Chaplaincy program would carry on. Chaplain Burriss made appoint to be effective to the officers and their families. Chaplain Burriss loves law enforcement and the officers he meets. He currently works on staff of the First Baptist Church as an associate pastor, is married and has a seven year old son. Chaplain Burriss also serves as Chaplain of State Patrol Troop A. In addition to his duties at the church, he often visits with officers who have been injured or are in the hospital. He makes an effort to spend approximately 12 to 15 hours a week riding with officers in Uniform Patrol. Chaplain Burris was very instrumental in arranging Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at the Woodstock First Baptist Church. Through his efforts at the Sheriff’s Office, Chaplain Burris has had a very positive influence in the lives of CSO deputies and the lives of their families.

Chaplain Ronnie Holbert has volunteered at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for the past ten years. Chaplain Holbert is a retired school teacher, he taught school in Cherokee County schools for 30 years. He is an active member of the Hickory Flat United Methodist Church and has a wife a daughter and granddaughter. When Chaplain Mantooth retired, Ronnie saw a need for a head chaplain at the A.D.C. he took the program and ran with it. Chaplain Holbert now supervises about 30 volunteers that provide religious services to over 500 inmates. Chaplain Holbert has learned about religions other than his own so he could better serve the staff and inmate population at the A.D.C. Chaplain Holbert also heads the G.E.D. program at the A.D.C., he supervises 4 instructors and has about 90 inmate students enrolled in the program. Chaplain Holbert is at the A.D.C. 6 days a week volunteering 40 hours each week. With such a busy schedule Ronnie makes time to attend the evening watch roll call every Thursday, he has given many law enforcement edition Bibles to deputies that wished to have one and Ronnie has bought pizza for each shift at the A.D.C. as well as brought a large grill to the A.D.C. to cook out for the deputies.

On June 28, 2005, Detective Buster Cushing and Investigator David Hughes, acting on an anonymous tip, went to Cherry Grove Road. Through their investigation they were able to locate three stolen vehicles, a large amount of stolen lumber, and an ounce of Methamphetamine. They were also able to make three arrests at the location. The value of the property recovered was valued at over $148,000. While at the location, the main suspect and two other persons arrived and were subsequently arrested.

On July 26th, 2005, Detectives Cushing and Carr were dispatched to assist deputies from the Uniform Patrol Division who had discovered suspected stolen property (jewelry) on two males involved in a hit and run accident. Detectives Cushing and Carr were able to obtain confessions from the suspects from undiscovered burglaries in the area. This led the detectives to execute a search warrant on the residence of a third individual which led to the discovery and recovery of property gained by the suspects from several area burglaries. This is an excellent example of determination and dedication these detectives have toward their profession.

During the month of February 2005, Deputy Billy Little served over 100 civil papers more than any other Warrant Unit Deputy. Deputy Little's entire civil process service totaled almost 50% of all the civil process served by the unit during the month of February. This is an outstanding accomplishment. To accomplish this level of productivity, Deputy Little averaged over 32 contacts with the public each work day, During the short time Deputy Little has been with the unit he has demonstrated hard work and an unmatched dedication to the Sheriff s Office, His accomplishments and superlative work ethic make him a model for other deputies.

On May 19,2005 Candido Castillo-Vargas was stabbed to death by Arcadio Ojeda-Mendoza. Mendoza fled the scene and was believed to be attempting to flee to Mexico. Investigator Garcia began an intensive search for Mendoza that included a canvas of the Hispanic neighborhood where she located a relative of the victim. The relative agreed to assist Inv. Garcia in the search for Mendoza. Through her efforts Inv. Garcia was able to locate a phone booth in Mexico that the suspect's sister was using to apparently contact Mendoza and arrange his return to Mexico. Obtaining the number the suspect's sister was calling Inv. Garcia you traced this number to a home in Cartersville, Ga. where Inv. Garcia and other detectives took the suspect into custody. Because of her extraordinary efforts a dangerous offender was taken off the streets.

On April 16, 2005 Deputy Wells was dispatched to Rocky Creek Farm Drive in reference to a unwanted visitor. Upon arrival he established contact with a male who Deputy Wells immediately recognized as a suspect from a previous BOLO as being wanted in connection of a stolen motor vehicle. During his investigation Deputy Wells was able to determine that the vehicle driven by the suspect was in fact a stolen vehicle. Deputy Wells was further able to establish that the stolen vehicle was wanted in connection with a hit and run in Tennessee. Due to his attentiveness of the BOLO information which was provided earlier in the week, Deputy Wells was able to solve the crime of a hit and run, and recover a stolen motor vehicle.

On August 10, 2005 Deputy Wells was traveling East on Highway 92 when he observed a motor vehicle accident occur. Deputy Wells asked for Woodstock P.D. to be en-route exited his patrol vehicle and began checking the well being of the individuals involved in the accident. Deputy Wells took notice that the driver was laying between the passenger seat and the dashboard of a pickup. Deputy Wells observed an impression in the windshield possibly made by impact with a head. Deputy Wells then noticed that the subject was bleeding from a head wound. Deputy Wells originally thought the driver deceased but pounded on the secured windows and yelled in order to get a response. When the male opened his eyes and attempted to rise, he fell back down and passed out. The male awakened shortly after and attempted several times to get up to no avail. Deputy Wells knew that the male had already suffered a serious injury and that his actions could worsen them or become fatal. Deputy Wells then took action by breaking out the back driver side window in order to render aid to the driver. Deputy Wells supported the driver’s head and neck until paramedics arrived on scene. Later it was learned that the male had suffered a spinal injury. It is believed that by his timely actions Deputy Wells quite possibly prevented the driver from suffering further injuries.

On February 27, 2005 Deputy Post responded to a person shot call on Avery Road. Multiple reports to 911 stated that the victim was laying in the front yard of the residence, possibly deceased, and that the suspect was still in the area armed with a shotgun. Deputy Post arrived on the scene and found several civilians and Fire personnel were arriving and gathering in the immediate area and in the crime scene. Despite the confusion of the incident scene, Deputy Post was able to locate the suspect using a physical description gained by witnesses. Within minutes Deputy Post had the suspect in custody and secured the crime scene and the weapon used in the crime. The incident was later determined to be the scene of a homicide. Deputy Post is commended for keeping a cool head and taking swift action which lead to the successful arrest of a murder suspect.

On March 07, 2005 at around 0015 hours Deputy Pettepher, responded as back up to a single car accident on Hwy 20 at Wheeler Martin Road. While on the scene speaking to the driver that was involved in the accident, Deputy Pettepher noticed another unrelated car that was sitting in the parking lot of Precision Motors with front and rear end damage. Because of the late hours and the fact, the business was closed and there was so much damage to the vehicle, he turned over the accident investigation to Deputy Hartigan, and then went over and conducted a "Terry Stop" on the individual in the car. He made contact with the driver and recognized him from a previous drug arrest.

Deputy Pettepher received inconsistent statements from the individual so he asked for and obtained consent to search the driver and the vehicle. As he began searching the vehicle he discovered a .38 Cal. Handgun with the serial numbers filed off, a small amount of methamphetamine, an AK-47 Assault Rifle, a fake pair of handcuffs, an ASP baton and an ATF agent hat. The vehicle was later reported stolen by a car rental agency. By exercising his police intuition and keen observation skills Deputy Pettepher was able to recover a stolen vehicle, make a felony arrest as well as remove dangerous drugs and weapons from the street.

On February 8, 2005 Deputy Garry Smith responded to a burglary in progress call at 460 Hayes road. Deputy Smith parked his patrol vehicle away from the residence and quietly walked to the house where he heard movement inside. He walked to the side of the residence to a side door. He knew the residence was supposed to be vacant, and therefore requested backup. While awaiting backup, one of the suspects walked toward and opened the door. Deputy Smith took advantage of the situation and displaying his firearm placed all three suspects under arrest without incident.

On February 3, 2005 Detectives Charlie Brown and Charlie Weber were attempting to locate a wanted person near the Cherokee / Bartow County line. While attempting to locate the suspect’s residence they observed a 2004 F-350 with a camper top pull out of a driveway and leave the area. The detectives later determined that they vehicle had departed from the residence they were looking for.

They made contact with a juvenile at the residence who advised the subject they were looking for had just left. The detectives searched the area and located the truck. The detectives were able to determine that the truck was stolen from Gwinnett County which led to the arrest of two suspects on the scene. This arrest led to charges of possession of methamphetamine. Detectives later learned the vehicle was taken from Gwinnett along with another F350 truck and a trailer full of lighting fixtures; the total amount exceeding $131,000.

In the summer of 2004 Detective Grier conceptualized a charitable program to assist child victims in Cherokee County. Detective Grier spent countless hours on his own developing this event, soliciting involvement from many local, state, and federal agencies, including law enforcement, fire/rescue, and military. Detective Grier's vision, "The American Heroes Air Show" was held Saturday April 2, 2005 at Heritage Park in Canton.

As evidence of his dedication to the children of this county, all proceeds from the Air Show were provided to the Anna Crawford Children's Center (a center providing advocacy services to abused children) and to Angel Flight of Georgia (a volunteer pilot organization flying medically needy children for treatment).

Deputy Sheriff Young, as the coordinator for the Sheriff's Office Football Team, has been responsible for raising funds for donations to "Meals on Wheels" and to the "Children Make a Wish Foundation" organizations. This has been done by way of football game ticket sales, T-shirt sales, and collecting donations. He has headed up this process since the formation of the agency football team. He is commended for this contribution to charitable organizations in support of the community and citizens of Cherokee County.

On September 24, 2005 Deputy Jason Barrett, Deputy Terrance Gillis and Corporal William Smith responded to a Domestic Dispute call with an armed person at 207 Colony Springs Drive, Woodstock. After taking reasonable and necessary steps to secure the scene and ensure the safety of themselves as well as the parties involved and the neighborhood in general, they conducted their Family Violence investigation which resulted in the arrest of a male suspect on the scene. Of the deputies’ performance, Niki Lemeshka the Cherokee Family Violence Center Legal Advocate wrote: "The victim later reported to the Cherokee Family Violence Center that the responding deputies completed a thorough assessment of her situation, enacted an arrest of her alleged abuser, and made appropriate referrals to the CFVC for further victim assistance. The victim expressed the deputies’ skills as excellent in professionalism, knowledge, helpfulness, fairness, sensitivity, courteousness and resourcefulness. She also expressed excellence in their abilities to solve the problem. She felt strongly that these deputies’ actions were instrumental in her continued safety."

On June 29, 2005 at approximately 1:30 AM, Deputies responded to a boating accident which had been witnessed by Mr. Bratz. Upon their arrival, Mr. Bratz utilized his pontoon boat to assist deputies in reaching the accident scene. Mr. Bratz further utilized his boat to guide the damaged watercraft to a nearby dock so that responding Fire / Rescue personnel could begin lifesaving procedures to victims within. Mr. Bratz continued to assist on scene by ferrying officers to the second boat where an additional injured victim was located. Mr. Bratz was instrumental in towing this second boat to a dock allowing for the treatment and extrication of the second victim. Mr. Bratz did not have to respond. Nevertheless, he volunteered his boat, his time, and his services which greatly contributed to the success of the rescue efforts.

On August 25, 2005 a badly decomposing body was discovered in a heavily wooded – remote location of northern Cherokee County. The scene was very difficult to gain access to and proved difficult for Sheriff’s Office personnel to navigate. Shannon Grady and Justin Beavers provided Sheriff’s Office Personnel the use of their all terrain vehicles – ferrying personnel and equipment to and from the scene. Mr. Grady and Mr. Beavers remained at the scene for hours volunteering their time and equipment. Both were under no obligation to do so and are commended for their service to the Sheriff’s Office and their community.

Deputy Henson has been the Sheriff’s liaison officer to Mothers Against Methamphetamine, Drug Free Cherokee, and methamphetamine education since September of 2004. All of her drug education related duties are performed in addition to her regular duties as the ADC Classification Officer. She is currently the Vice President for Mothers Against Methamphetamine, Board Chair for Drug Free Cherokee, and a member of the MUST Advisory Council. Deputy Henson commonly speaks to civic groups including the Cherokee County Grand Jury, the Boys Scouts of America, high school sports teams and others about the dangers of methamphetamine usage. Her education efforts have certainly assisted the Sheriff’s Office in addressing the incidence of methamphetamine abuse within Cherokee County.

Over the past year the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Canine unit has committed themselves to noteworth service in support of the Agency’s crime prevention program. As such, they have achieved exemplary results that have significantly contributed to solving crime related problems in Cherokee County. Many times the unit has committed to performing services for community groups such as Churches, schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. In the year 2005 they participated in 27 Public demonstrations and 66 school demonstrations. They assisted the CMANS unit on 64 occasions and were called upon to assist other law enforcement agencies 97 times. In 2005 the Canine unit was called upon to assist Cherokee Sheriff’s Office units 169 times which resulted in 3 apprehensions of a suspect by by a patrol dog, over $ 61,000 in seized currency and 50 lbs of marijuana. The unit performed 61 area searches, 80 building searches, 347 vehicle searches, searched 3,700 school lockers, performed 64 tracks, and 11 bomb searches.