Sheriff Recognizes Annual Award Recipients

The following information is taken from a Carroll County Sheriff's Department news release.

Sheriff  Kenneth L. Tregoning is pleased to announce the selection of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office 2012 Annual Personnel Awards.  Inasmuch, the following recipients were chosen for their tireless commitment to public service and exemplary performance in their respective areas of assignment.

Deputy of the Year - Sergeant Thomas G. Hoffa

Sergeant Hoffa is the commander of the Sheriff’s Office Court Security Division requiring him to balance diplomacy, sound judgment and exceptional supervisory skills while providing for the safe and efficient management of the security for Carroll County Circuit Court and prisoner detention for District Court. He constantly monitors the scheduling of civil and criminal hearings, motions and trials for the proper allocation of personnel resources. Sergeant Hoffa assesses all operational requirements and applies his supervisory and managerial experience to ensure that the dignity, safety and efficiency of the courts are not compromised.

While commanding Court Security, the Sheriff’s Office has not received a single compliant regarding punctuality, competence, job performance or attention to duty.  The cooperation and coordination between the courts, detention center and security unit is a model for the criminal justice system. Sergeant Hoffa manages, supervises and mentors unit personnel while performing administrative duties such as, appraisals, time cards, sick leave, scheduling, supplies and etc.

Sergeant Hoffa’s dedication to duty is attested to by the Judges, States Attorney’s Office, trial lawyers and civil and criminal employees of the courts. The comments and feedback are always positive, complimentary and respectful. Sgt. Hoffa is that “rare” employee that never brings a problem to the attention of command without first, having the solution to the problem at hand. Sergeant Hoffa’s work ethics, attitude, dedication, commitment and personal demeanor are qualities that personify the true meaning of the “Deputy of the Year” award. 

Correctional Officer of the Year - COIII Michael E. Boyd

Correctional Officer III Michael E. Boyd has been selected as the 2012 Correctional Officer of the Year for the Carroll County Detention Center. Officer Boyd has been employed with the Carroll County Detention Center since November 29, 2007, and is currently assigned to the Security Services Bureau.   Michael has been described by his supervisors as being highly motivated and always seeks to improve him performance. His personal attributes and skills made him an outstanding candidate for selection as an instructor. 

Officer Boyd always motivates, coaches, and encourages his fellow workers to improve their job performance and in a supportive manner. He professional and personal appearance is immaculate and an example for all to emulate.  Officer Boyd has been recognized as a leader among his peers by being self-motivated and taking the initiative to provide direction and guidance to new officers.  Michael is described by his supervisors as a consistent performer, always willing to go beyond his regularly assigned duties to assist others. He is a pleasure to work with and his positive attitude is contagious and improves the work environment every day.

Civilian Employee of the Year – Ms. Gwen Bell – Administrative Secretary

Ms. Gwen Bell has 14 years of service with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and during her tenure with the Domestic Violence Unit and Sex Offender Registry, she has received the highest performance ratings in all categories on every performance appraisal. As the Administrative Secretary for the Domestic Violence Unit, Ms. Bell accurately and timely processes and tracks critical documents while simultaneously interviewing victims and witnesses of domestic violence. Her superior knowledge of victim’s rights relating to Maryland Domestic Violence laws, regulations, and procedures enabled her to communicate professionally and effectively to victims, the courts, States Attorney’s Office and allied agencies.

While assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit, Ms. Bell’s duties were expanded in managing, evaluating and implementing ideas and suggestions that maximized performance. Additionally, she assumed the responsibility of monitoring and managing the crucial grants specific to the Unit to ensure continued staffing and services. Her command of recall, attention to detail, accuracy, and record keeping resulted in flawless grant audits that garnered many compliments from the auditors.

Because of her grant management and exceptional professional job skills, Ms. Bell was selected to be the Administrative Secretary for the Sex Offender Registry. The unit oversees and registers all Sex Offenders within the County. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention was astounded when the first audit of the Sex Offender grant was without error. Ms. Bell’s personal and professional qualities of commitment, dedication, can do attitude, knowledge, experience and leadership illustrate that “rare” employee who leads by example.  Ms. Bell is always looking for solutions to problems and constantly volunteers her time and talent to improve the efficiency of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Her aggressive approach to problem solving and her determination to get the job done right personifies the “mission and vision” of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.  

Correctional Employee of the Year – Colby Brewer – Pretrial Services Unit

Mr. Colby Brewer has been selected as the Carroll County Detention Center Civilian Employee of the Year. Colby is a stable and valuable asset to the Pretrial Services Unit.  As a Correctional Specialist, he has consistently demonstrated exceptionally high standards in managing his large caseload.  Colby interacts with offenders assigned to Pretrial Services in a very skillful, tactful, and professional manner and ensures that all Court conditions of release are met.  He treats all individuals assigned to Pretrial Services with respect and is able to get communicate effectively without being demeaning or confrontational. 

Mr. Brewer reports provided to the Courts are through and contain valuable historical insight with respect to an offender’s progress while under supervision that assists criminal justice partners with the case decision-making process.  Mr. Brewer is quick to identify and take action in situations where offenders appear to pose a risk to themselves or others.  He is very professional and responsible with dealing with the Courts, Office of the State’s Attorney and Public Defender, treatment programs and other Pretrial Services stakeholders.  Mr. Brewer is most conscientious in all phases of his position and is always willing to take on additional duties and responsibilities to ensure the effective operations of the Pretrial Services Unit. 

Auxiliary Officer of the Year – Chaplain Patricia Geyer

Chaplain Patricia Geyer is this year’s Auxiliary Officer of the year.  Since beginning her time with Sheriff’s Office, Chaplain Pat has logged in thousands of hours of volunteer service. She maintains availability to law enforcement officers and the Residents of Carroll County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To date, Chaplain Pat’s services have been utilized 35 times to provide emotional support to families during the tragic death of a loved one. In those instances, she has assisted and counseled over 125 family members and friends of the deceased. 10 of those family members impacted were young children who had been directly exposed to trauma or extreme situations involving varying stages of grief.

Chaplain Pat was recently deployed to Connecticut during the tragedy involving Sandy Hook Elementary School. As part of an emergency Rapid Response team, she is often called to duty for emergency situations, but given her experience and expertise as a Law Enforcement Chaplain here at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, she was asked to help coordinate this deployment.  In addition to providing spiritual and emotional support for the families of the victims and funeral attendants, she was tasked with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for the first responders (police, fire, and EMS) who were directly exposed to the trauma associated with this situation.

Chaplain Pat Geyer has found her niche as the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, 100% volunteer. Her extensive training, spirit of volunteerism, and sense of community service is omnipotent. Her enthusiasm and compassion is contagious, and she plays a vital role in crisis intervention within the agency, community, nation, and world. Her contributions to Law Enforcement are significant, but more importantly, she makes the world a better place. Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, Pat Geyer is most deserving of this year’s Auxiliary Member of the Year.

“These personnel have diligently executed the tasks necessary to achieve the highest goals and objectives of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Ken Tregoning.  For their outstanding contributions to the agency, public safety and the residents of Carroll County, “we are proud to name Sergeant Thomas Hoffa, Ms. Gwen Bell, Correctional Officer III Michael Boyd, Correctional Specialist Colby Brewer, and Chaplain Patricia Geyer as our 2012 Honorees of the Year.”