Click here to read the Jacksonville.com story written by Charlie Patton "Jim E. Davis Officer of the Year Focuses on Families."

Click here to read  News4Jax.com's article about the event.
 
Click here for more information about each recipient and for photographs of the event.

On January 17, 2008, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office recognized six employees of the year and the Citizen of the Year for 2008. The ceremony was held at the Police Memorial Building.  

Each of the following recipients has demonstrated excellence and dedication in their service to the Jacksonville Sheriff¡¦s Office and the community. 
* Police Officer of the Year ~ sponsored by Burger King,  Detective Jim E. Davis
* Corrections Officer of the Year~ Sponsored by Coggin Automotive, Corrections Officer Hubert T. Hensley
*Civilian Employee of the Year~ Sponsored by Solantic,  Angela Fouraker, Patrol Division, East 
* Volunteer of the Year ~ Sponsored by Nimnicht Chevrolet, L. Jon McEwen
* Police Supervisor of the Year ~Sponsored by Stein-Mart, Police Sergeant Avelino S. Elegino
* Corrections Supervisor of the Year ~ Sponsored by Bealls Inc., Corrections Sergeant Donna S. McWaters, and
*Citizen of the Year~ Mr. Steven T. Halverson, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Haskell Company and Trustee, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce

  The six recipients of the Employee of the Year Award were all former Employees of the Month during 2007. "These outstanding employees work day-in and day-out demonstrating excellence and commitment to their chosen profession of law enforcement¡¨ said Sheriff John H. Rutherford. 

"In addition to honoring the great work of our employees and volunteers throughout the year, I enjoy this opportunity once a year to recognize the ¡¥best of the best," he said.

The 2008 Citizen of the Year, Steve Halverson, has been a community steward for many years.  "Mr. Halverson, as a trustee of our Chamber of Commerce, mobilized the financial support of other business leaders, so we could properly launch our Gun Bounty program, as part of our Operation Safe Streets initiative, " Rutherford continued.
"I appreciate the support of Wally Lee of the Chamber their Chairman at the time, Ed Burr, and everyone who helped us get illegal guns off the street, arrest the criminals who use them and increase tips to police to a record number," commented Rutherford.

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.
###