The Gordon county Sheriff’s office held their fourth annual employee appreciation and awards banquet at Northwest Georgia Technical College Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.

Detectives, sheriffs deputies, jailers, civilian staff and auxiliary members were honored at the banquet as well as several local public leaders.

The banquet began with the presentation of the colors from the Gordon County Sheriff’s color guard, accompanied by the bagpipes playing “The Minstrel Boy.”

Along with sheriff Mitch Ralston, chief deputy sheriff Robert Paris and Major Pat Bedford honored many different groups of detectives from successful crime busts ranging from trafficking in drugs to rescuing humans from burning cars and even saving four dogs locked in a car during the heat of the summer months.

Public leaders recognized and awarded at the event included County Commissioners Judy Bailey, and Alvin Long for their service. Long offered a teary eyed, heartfelt thanks to the residents of Gordon County.

Retiring District Attorney Joe Campbell was also honored at the banquet for his 20 years of service working with the Sheriff’s department.

Serving on the color guard is Honorary Regiment Sergeant Major Jackson Jenkins, who is in second grade and helped present the colors at the banquet next to his father, Jack Jackson.

Concluding the awards presentations, Sheriff Ralston spoke to the audience about opportunity and family and the importance of both.

In a note to those in attendance, Ralston thanked the men and women who are dedicated to the job they do.

“I am very proud of each of my employees, the goals we have reached together and your efforts in making possible what we have achieved here. I am humbled by the confidence and trust placed in me as your Sheriff, and I am proud to lead a staff such as yourselves. Together we will continue our mission of making Gordon County a safe place to work and raise our families.”