Sheriff Sean Casey and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office celebrated the achievements of their staff with an employee awards and promotional recognition ceremony on Tuesday, May 24. The program honored employees who received awards, selected by their colleagues, and those who earned promotions in 2021.
The ceremony opened with the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presenting the colors and Deputy Jacquelyn Olson singing the national anthem, followed by Master Deputy Todd Stubblefield providing the invocation. Lieutenant LaJuenne Harding served as emcee and welcomed guests and City Manager Jim Parajon delivered the keynote speech.
Then members of the awards committee announced the winners as Sheriff Casey presented the following awards:
- Esprit de Corps – Master Deputy Ceaena Lewis
- Unit Spirit – Civil Disobedience Unit
- Outstanding Performance
Sworn line staff – Deputy Joseph Walker
Sworn supervisor – Sergeant Gregory Perez
Civilian line staff – Amy Bertsch
Civilian supervisor – Ramone Brooks - Best New Employee
Sworn – Deputy Fidelis Asonglefac
Civilian – Rebecca Harrison - Life Saving – Deputy DeVon Carney and Deputy Nazirullah Qazei
- Outstanding Contributions by an Employee of a City Agency, Organization or Contractor – Sean McCallum, R.N., Wellpath
- Shining Star – Deputy Carlos Cañas
- Master Deputy of the Year – Master Deputy Ceaena Lewis
After the awards, deputies who received career elevations were announced and the following four employees who earned promotions were recognized:
Human Resources Technician II Lenora Murphy
Lieutenant Lemuel Houston
Captain Quentin Wade
Chief Deputy Shelbert Williams
Chief Williams, as the highest ranking promotee, addressed the audience which included family members of the honorees and thanked them for their understanding and support. He also recognized the other promotees and congratulated them on their achievements.
In his closing remarks, Sheriff Casey congratulated the award winners and those who earned promotions and he expressed his deep gratitude for all employees of the Sheriff’s Office who have been working under challenging circumstances since the pandemic began more than two years ago. He also thanked the awards committee for organizing the annual program which was held in person for the first time since 2019.
Photo: (l-r) Chief Deputy Shelbert Williams, Deputy Fidelis Asonglefac, Master Deputy Ceaena Lewis, Captain Quentin Wade, Deputy Carlos Cañas and Deputy Joseph Walker.