Sheriff Sean Casey and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office celebrated staff accomplishments with an employee awards ceremony on April 22. Several City officials, including Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, City Manager Jim Parajon, Deputy City Manager Yon Lambert and Police Chief Tarrick McGuire, attended the program which honored employees who had been selected by their colleagues for recognition as well as special presentations by the American Legion Alexandria Post 24 and Sheriff Casey.

Captain Lee Houston emceed the ceremony which began with the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presenting the colors and Charles Davis from the Department of Human Resources singing the national anthem (right). Master Deputy Stubblefield provided the invocation, and Mayor Gaskins delivered the keynote speech.

In the first presentation, Post Commander Kelly Niernberger recognized Deputy Rose as their 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and presented her with a plaque. Deputy Rose was honored for her professionalism and dedication to keeping her colleagues, people in custody, and members of the community safe. Two of those situations involved rescue efforts at motor vehicle incidents and one involved intervening when a fellow deputy was going to use unjustified force against an inmate.

Then members of the Sheriff’s Office Employee Awards committee announced the winners as Sheriff Casey presented the following awards:

Esprit de Corps – Master Deputy Lewis
Unit Spirit – Facility Services
Best Idea – Sergeant Mauck
Outstanding Performance
   Sworn line staff – Deputy Asonglefac
   Professional line staff – Records Clerk Michelle Frier
   Sworn supervisor – Sergeant Hagar and Sergeant Munir (tie)
   Professional staff supervisor – Manager Taiwo Akinbami and Director David Nye (tie)
Best New Employee
   Sworn – Deputy Carty
   Professional – Classification Counselor Deitra Jennings
Outstanding Contributions by an Employee of a City Agency, Organization or Contractor – Education Coordinator Krista Sofonia, Alexandria City Public Schools
Master Deputy of the Year – Sergeant Battle 
Shining Star – Lieutenant Ignacio

Sheriff Casey then addressed the audience and announced special recognition for Deputy Sherzai. He presented her with a commendation for her keen awareness and investigative initiative which resulted in the discovery of concealed contraband and prevented a controlled substance from reaching our inmate population last fall.

In closing, Sheriff Casey congratulated all the honorees and thanked the many guests for celebrating these outstanding employees. He also thanked the Honor Guard, Captain Houston, Charles Davis and Deputy Stubblefield for their participation and the awards committee members for their work on the event.