The honors flowed Wednesday night at Tyrone Depot as the town’s police officers were joined by Sheriff Randall Johnson for the annual awards dinner recognizing the year’s achievements.

Rather than giving a lengthy presentation, Police Chief Brandon Perkins began his comments by telling officers and their families he could sum up his remarks by just saying “thank you.” And that “thank you” encompassed quite a bit.

Perkins thanked officers for choosing to serve, for their commitment of keeping their badge of honor and their oath of office, for their dedication in serving the community, for coming together as a team, for their support for command staff and for making his job so rewarding.

“You guys do a great job,” Perkins said. “I’m extremely proud of all of you. And I’m ready to tackle whatever 2009 brings.”

Also speaking Wednesday, Sheriff Johnson referenced the good relationship he had experienced with Tyrone over the years. The out-going sheriff recalled his long career and the many changes seen in Fayette County in the past three decades.

Bringing the topic back to Tyrone, Johnson said he had made 31 of the town’s 32 parades, adding with a chuckle that, “I missed one and they reminded me.”

“Ya’ll do a great job for Tyrone,” the sheriff said to the room full of officers. It was one of his last public events as sheriff. “Being successful in this business depends on who you surround yourself with. It’s an honor to be here and it’s been an honor to serve Fayette County. We’ve changed with the times and we’ve gotten stronger.”

The long list of awards and recognitions, including to Officer Todd Ruth as Officer of the Year and to Officer Alicia Batts as Employee of the Year, are listed below:

Officer Todd Ruth: Officer of the year, safe driver pin (1st year), Marksman

Officer Alicia Batts: Good Conduct, Community Service Award, Employee of the Year

Major Van Brock: 2 year safe driving award

Officer Daniel Carawan: Marksman

Det. Adam Castings: Police Commendation, Good Conduct, 2 year safe driver

Sgt. Eric DeLoose: 2 year safe Driver, Sharpshooter, 5 years service award

Sgt. Mike Dishman: 2 year safe driver, sharpshooter, 5 year service award

Officer Andrea Johnson: Educational Achievement

Lt. Dean Johnson: 2 year safe driver award

Lt. Steve Lafferty: 2 year safe driver, Sharpshooter

Sgt. Drew Moorman: Field Training Officer, 2 year safe driver, sharpshooter

Cpl. David Murphy: Field Training Officer, Chief's Commendation, Community

Service Award, 2 year safe driver

Officer Philip Nelson: Expert Shooter

Cpl. Matt New: Meritoriuos Conduct, 2 year safe driver

Officer Maribel Rosario: Chief's Commendation

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