Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Service, Courage, and Commitment at Annual Awards Ceremony

CRIME

Chatham County Sheriffs Office Press Release
Compiled by Michelle Cassell
Editor

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office gathered Thursday, February 19, at the Pittsboro United Methodist Church Life Center for its annual Awards Ceremony and Swearing-In, an event that honored new team members, recognized years of service, and celebrated acts of leadership, professionalism, and courage.

Chief Deputy Steve Maynor opened the ceremony by welcoming employees, family members, community partners, and county leadership. He thanked those being sworn in for choosing a career of service and reminded attendees that wearing the badge represents more than employment.

CCSO employees and guests enjoy lunch and fellowship.

The ceremony began with the swearing in of new staff. Family members participated in badge presentations, highlighting the shared sacrifice that accompanies a career in public safety. Capt. Stephen Renn spoke about the meaning of the badge and the responsibility it represents to the citizens of Chatham County.

The awards portion of the ceremony recognized employees across all units of the Sheriff’s Office.

Length of Service Awards were presented to (5 Years of Service) Jonathan Frazier, Mackenzie Myers, Morgan Halkyer, Brian Palmiter, Matthew Mitchell, Brooke Roberts, Brentley Ward; (10 Years of Service) Branden Havens, Veronica Henry, Lt. Rischetta White; (15 Years of Service) Brian Inman, Amy Marris, Christopher Massey; and (20 Years of Service) Joseph Reece, Capt. Phillip Richard, and Herbie Stubbs. The recognition honored milestone years of dedication and service to the agency.

Additional performance recognitions included Shane Durazo, who earned an exceptional 99.8 firearms score, earning him the Top Performer Firearms Award; and Anthony “Duke” Norton for completing 67 hours of community service, earning him the Community Service Award.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to employees and community partners whose leadership and dedication strengthened the agency’s mission. Those recognized included Tyler Bridges, Jed Bristow, Caitlin Cade, Shawnessy Charlson, Tyler Clark, Marcus Hart, Amy Marris, Matthew Mitchell, Brandon Montoya, Jon Murray, and SSgt. Olivia Soles. The Detention Center Kitchen Staff and CCSO Volunteers were also honored for their consistent service and support.

Meritorious Achievement Awards were presented to Chris Massey, Shelby McGrath, Marian Gibson, and Deputies Moises Carvajal, Matthew Mitchell, Michaela Shaw, and Bryson Warner. Their recognition reflected exceptional performance, leadership, and professionalism during complex investigations and high-risk incidents. Members of the American Correctional Association Core Team – Lt. Abby Bristow, Beth Dickens, and Miranda Brown — were also recognized for their work supporting detention accreditation efforts.

Life-Saving Awards were presented to Deputy Joseph Scott, who restored a pulse to a cardiac arrest patient through immediate CPR, and to Deputies Kevin Herrera, Brooke Roberts, and Noah Thomas for their coordinated response during a life-threatening emergency that resulted in a life saved.

Deputy Andrew Gray and Staff Sergeant Chris Burger hold their Medal of Valor plaques after being recognized during the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office annual Awards Ceremony. They are joined by agency captains who presented the awards. Deputies Kyle Kothstein and Tyler Clark, also recipients of the Medal of Valor, were not present for the photo.

The agency’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, was awarded to SSgt. Chris Burger, Tyler Clark, Deputy Andrew Gray, and Deputy Kyle Kothstein for extraordinary courage during a prolonged armed standoff in the Bear Creek community. While attempting to serve an involuntary commitment order, the deputies were subjected to sustained gunfire over several hours. Despite rounds being fired directly at them, they maintained composure, tactical discipline, and restraint under extreme threat.

Promotions were also recognized within the Animal Resource Center, where Genesis Ramirez and Symon Staruch advanced in their roles.

The ceremony also highlighted peer-selected awards. Rookie of the Year honors — reserved for employees within their first two years — were presented to Erin O’Brien (Rookie Civilian of the Year), Shamekia Butler (Rookie Detention Officer of the Year), and Kevin Herrera (Rookie Deputy of the Year).

Employees also selected their colleagues for top annual honors. Randall Rigsbee was named Civilian of the Year, Jenifer Ruiz was named Detention Officer of the Year, and Shelby McGrath was named Deputy of the Year.

Chief Deputy Maynor closed the ceremony by thanking county leadership, community partners, volunteers, food donors, and Pittsboro United Methodist Church.

The annual ceremony serves as both a celebration of achievement and a reaffirmation of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and service to the citizens of Chatham County.

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press.