Click here for photographs of the event.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) recognized six employees of the month and presented a Six Pillars of Character Award and a Certificate of Appreciation to a civilian at the monthly meritorious awards ceremony held last Thursday, October 30, 2008.

Sheriff John H. Rutherford recognized each recipient for their outstanding service to the JSO and the community, at the monthly ceremony. "I am honored to present these awards to the Employees of the Month.  I believe that their hard work should be recognized for what it is; true dedication to the Agency and the citizens, who depend on the JSO every day," said Sheriff John H. Rutherford.
 
Police Officer of the Month ~ Sponsored by Burger King
Detective Jared T. Reston; Homeland Security

On January 26, 2008, Detective Reston was shot in the face, chest, side and lower body while apprehending a shoplifter at the Regency Square Mall. Despite the life threatening gun shot wounds he sustained, Det. Reston was able to return fire. The suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire. Detective Reston was also awarded the Purple Heart Award, at a previous award ceremony, for injuries he sustained in the line of duty.

Corrections Officer of the Month ~ Sponsored by Coggin Automotive
Corrections Officer William B. Stanford; Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF)

On February 21, 2008, Corrections Officer William B. Stanford was working in the Public Reception area of the PTDF, scanning visitors for contraband as they entered the building. Officer Stanford stopped a juvenile from smuggling 30 small baggies and three larger baggies of marijuana into the PTDF.

Civilian Employee of the Month ~ Sponsored by Solantic
Alecia Y. Tremble; Investigations Division (Crimes Against Persons & Crimes Against Property)
 
Ms. Tremble provides excellent administrative support for the Assistant Chiefs of Crimes Against Property and Crimes Against Persons. In addition to her regular duties, Ms. Tremble also provided invaluable assistance during Operation Safe Streets Phases I and II. She also volunteers with several non-profit organizations in the community.

Volunteer Officer of the Month ~ Sponsored by Nimnicht Chevrolet
Bishop Darrell L. Coats

In 2007 and 2008, Bishop Coats participated in ten community walks as part of our outreach during Operation Safe Streets and in collaboration with the Mayor's Office. During these walks, he passed out literature and assisted members of the community by advising how to obtain assistance from city agencies. He is also a member of the Sheriff's Office Community Posse, a group of trained volunteers who assist JSO with community education.

Police Supervisor of the Month ~ Sponsored by Stein-Mart
Police Lieutenant Mathew S. Nemeth, Zone 1
 
On February 21, 2008, having just come off-duty, Police Sergeant Mathew Nemeth (who has since been promoted to Lieutenant) initiated the police response to the Gate Gas Station Armed Robbery on 3938 Hendricks Ave, having witnessed the armed robbers leaving the store. He stayed at the scene and led the police response, resulting in the apprehension of the four juvenile suspects. Lt. Nemeth was also recognized for the February arrest of three people suspected of stealing a car.  

Corrections Supervisor of the Month ~ Sponsored by Bealls, Inc.
Sergeant Barbara J. Weber, Jails Division

Corrections Sgt. Barbara Weber is responsible for all in-service and specialized training conducted within the Department of Corrections. These classes cover a range of topics including  Department of Corrections employees, Crisis Intervention Training, Basic Corrections recruit classes, corrections employees who need to pass their requalification test at the JSO Gun range,  and the proper use of Electronic Control Devices. Corrections Sgt. Weber also recently received the Community Leadership Award for Advancing Mental Health within the Law Enforcement Community from Mental Health America of Northeast Florida for her Crisis Intervention Training curriculum. 

Six Pillars of Character ~ Sponsored by "Character Counts! In Jacksonville"
Police Officer Mike McCall, Zone 5

October's Six Pillars of Character recipient is Police Officer Mike McCall. Ofc. McCall  received this award because he displayed Caring, Responsibility and Citizenship toward a woman in need in  Zone 5 (Jacksonville's Westside) for the past 20 years. 

Officer McCall has patrolled the Zone 5 area for more than 20 years. He has been mentoring a young woman named, Tina, who had a history of drug abuse and prostitution. Because of Officer McCall's unselfish support, Tina has accomplished many goals in her life. She is drug free, no longer working as a prostitute, and is a college graduate.

The Six Pillars of Character award is given in partnership with Character Counts! in Jacksonville. Any JSO employee who demonstrates one of the six pillars of character is eligible for this award.

Certificate of Appreciation 
William R. Hatchett
Mr. Hatchett was instrumental in helping the JSO catch a burglar who had burglarized homes in Queen's Harbor on two separate occasions over the course of several years. The career criminal received seven years in a Florida State Prison for his crimes.

The mission of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of this community, to preserve the peace and to prevent crime and disorder while constantly guarding personal liberties as prescribed by law.
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