The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office recognized six employees of the month during the monthly meritorious awards ceremony held April 30, 2009. Certificates of Appreciation were given to two citizens who assisted the JSO, and two detectives and a police officer were presented with Certificates of Appreciation from Sheriff Rutherford and the Northeast Florida Regional Council.

"The continuous dedication we see from JSO employees and community residents is inspiring. Each recipient is deserving of this recognition and I am proud to recognize them each month," said Sheriff John Rutherford.

Police Officer of the Month~ Sponsored by Burger King; Kendall K. Anderson; Community Services Division

Officer Anderson works in the Community Affairs Division as a School Safety Officer. Through his work, Kendall demonstrates his dedication to citizens of all ages that live in the community. 

Ofc. Anderson manages the JSO Post 948 Police Explorer Program, which is part of the state-wide Florida Sheriff's Explorer Program, which is part of the state-wide Florida Sheriff's Explorers Association. Through his direction, Explorer Program participants raised more than $25,000 for the Police Athletic League, the Sickle Cell Foundation and other charities in 2008. In addition, Ofc. Anderson also conducts safety seminars to students, and community groups.

Corrections Officer of the Month~ Sponsored by Coggin Automotive; Corrections Officer Mark R. Sanborn; Pre-Trial Detention Facility

Corrections Officer Mark R. Sanborn works in the Intake and Releasing area (ITR) of the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. His attention to detail demonstrates his ability to react quickly to dangerous situations that may not be obvious.

In Aug. 2008, C.O. Sanborn found objectionable materials in the possession of inmates. Lt. Inman investigated and found the objects to negatively affect the rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system as it was a violation of Operational Order 5.8.12 Authorized Inmate Property and they were removed.

Because of C.O. Sanborn's keen observation skills, and knowledge of operation orders, in addition to his commitment to the rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system, a possible disturbance among inmates was prevented.

Civilian Employee of the Month~ Sponsored by Solantic; Katherine E. Troyer; Continuous Improvement Unit

Katherine Troyer earned the Civilian Employee of the Month award because she went above and beyond her stated duties by learning and teaching others various software programs such as SharePoint, Visio, Access and PowerPoint. She uses these programs to create products for Rapid Improvement Events the CIU conducts to look at current processes, analyze steps, eliminate non-value steps, and create improved process.

Reserve Officer/Volunteer of the Month~ Sponsored by Nimnicht Chevrolet; Volunteer Russell E. Engel

Volunteer Russel E. Engel has dedicated an average of 20 hours a week to various units of the JSO since 1982. His civic duties go above and beyond with more than 6750 hours volunteered with the Crime Analysis Unit and the Fugitive Unit.

In the Fugitive Unit, Mr.Engel is responsible for running the person of interest reports for warrants. He has been credited with many correct identification checks for warrants and capiases.

Mr. Engel has not only volunteered his time with the JSO, but also with Boy Scouts of America. In addition, as a retired member of the IRS, he helps taxpayers with questions, concerns and filing assistance.

Police Supervisor of the Month~ Sponsored by Stein-Mart; Sergeant J.C. LaDue, Zone 3

Police Sgt. J. C. LaDue received the Police Supervisor of the Month award because he is a proven leader in his Zone. Sgt. LaDue and his officers continually do a service to the community by working together with citizens to rid neighborhoods of criminals and drug activity.

His officers are often called upon to participate in specialized, high-profile tasks such as conducting stakeouts that are planned to arrest armed robbery and homicide suspects. Within the last 12 months, the COPS Unit, with the help of ShAdCo members, arrested more than 100 felony suspects, seized 57 firearms and were responsible for facilitating 16 DARTS.

Certificate of Appreciation
U. S. Navy Chief Information Technician Steven L. Thompson

U. S. Navy Chief Information Technician Steven L. Thompson's willingness to come forward helped in the restraint of a violent suspect and prevented further injuries to JSO Ofc. Bryant, who was under attack.

On June 3, 2008, Ofc. Bryant was patrolling near Landmark Middle School Zone 3 when she noticed several young men walking off the campus during school hours. As she escorted one of the juveniles to her patrol car he became violent and started punching her.

It was at this point that Steven Thompson came to her aid. He was able to help restrain the suspect so Ofc. Bryant could handcuff him and place him in her patrol car.

Certificate of Appreciation
Gladys G. Gehrig

On Jan. 20, 2009, Gladys G. Gehrig's courage helped apprehend robbery suspect Torre Harris, who was responsible for 10 robberies in Zones 2, 3 and Jacksonville Beach.

Gehrig was the only customer in the Kangaroo Express located at 5111 Baymeadows Road when Harris came into the store and pointed a gun at the store clerk demanding money. Harris then pointed the gun at Gehrig demanding her purse, but instead of giving him her purse she "pepper sprayed" him. Harris fled and as officers responded to the 5111 Baymeadows robbery, they saw him attempting a second robbery at 8530 Baymeadows Road and he was taken into custody. 

Civilian Supervisor of the Month~ Sponsored by First Coast Security Services Inc.; James Holderfield, Help Desk Supervisor

James Holderfield* is the ISM Help Desk Supervisor responsible for its daily operation. He is known for his great work ethic, organization and dependability creating a positive atmosphere amongst his coworkers and peers.

The hard work of his team is a reflection of his ability to motivate and encourage his personnel in completing tasks in a timely manner. Holderfield and his team completed more than 554 work orders in Jan. 2008. He personally completed 197 of those orders.

*Due to a prior commitment, James Holderfield was unable to attend the ceremony.