Sheriff’s office celebration

Greene’s public servants came out in force - complete with families and friends—Friday night to honor their own at the sheriff’s office 2008 year end banquet, held at the Ruckersville Fire House.
It was a sight to behold, said Beverly Heroy of Stanardsville, president of the county’s Triad partnership, an organization consisting of law enforcement, senior citizens and community groups meaning to promote senior safety that Sheriff Scott Haas helped to organize.
“We never see them. They’re always out patrolling,“ Heroy said.
Heroy was one of many - including chairman of the board of supervisors Steve Catalano, commonwealth attorney Ronald Morris, local state troopers and members of emergency services, the rescue squad, and the Dyke Fire Department—who turned out to pay tribute to the men and women that are so often taken for granted.
“Thank you for keeping us safe,“ said Catalano, when he was called to the podium. “And I thank your families for (putting up with) the hours you keep … I want you to know the board of supervisors has your back.“
Morris brought the issue of community safety home when he thanked Greene’s police force for keeping “crime from happening and for keeping the people in jail that need to be there … you get it right in court.“
As Catalano had, Morris assured Sheriff’s office personnel that the county had them covered: “Your safety is our utmost and prime concern,“ he said.
Singled out for outstanding accomplishments during the past year were Deputy of the Year Investigator Corporal Gary “Rodney” Snead and Communications Officer of the Year James “Chip” Taylor.
Corporal Snead, said Haas, was “instrumental in making many cases. His investigative skills are very good.“
Taylor, Haas noted, was “instrumental in bringing technology part of communications division to much higher standards.“
Deputy William “Trey” Duncan received a DUI Enforcement Award, and Deputy Chadwick Carr received a Life Saving Award.
Carr, said Haas, “responded to an accident, and the CPR he administered saved the subject’s life.“
While particular honors went to a few, many were honored with ribbons, so, said Haas, “the community can see (what you’ve accomplished).“
Those accomplishments are “ongoing,“ said Chief Deputy Major Randall Snead.
He noted that the sheriff’s office is undergoing the process of accreditation - whereby it demonstrates voluntarily that it complies with national standards that are an indication of professional excellence. In addition, the sheriff’s office has met with members of homeowners associations to introduce neighborhood watch programs.
About the county’s search and rescue teams, Haas said, “I’ll put them up against any team around.“
He commended others: The Sheriff’s Commendation Award went to 10 members of the Special Response Team; the accreditation manager John Haines; administrative secretaries Bonnie Gordon, Jeanette Laidler, and Michelle Wyant.