LYNN HAVEN — The Bay County Sheriff’s Office took time Wednesday to honor the fallen officers among their ranks and award the men and women still serving under the badge.
The honors and awards came during BCSO’s annual Law Enforcement Memorial and Awards Ceremony Wednesday morning. Sheriff Frank McKeithen called out names of the nine law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty in Bay County, and a wreath was placed and the flag flown at half-mast in honor of their sacrifice. Dr. Ed Naggiar, a retired Navy Seal and BCSO resilience instructor, was the special speaker.
--- PHOTOS: MORE FROM THE BCSO AWARDS CEREMONY»»
Following the memorial, McKeithen gave out awards to honor exemplary performance:
- Bay County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year went to two deputies. Deputy Jacob McGowin and Deputy Justin Johnson were awarded the honor in a rare tie.
- BCSO Detention Officer of the Year was Cpl.Richard Flowers.
- BCSO Communications Specialist of the Year was Ms. Terre Hall.
- BCSO Volunteer of the Year was Mr. Jim Balch.
- BCSO Jail Volunteer of the Year was Mr. Charles Wychunas.
- BCSO Jail Employee of the Year was Detention Specialist Kendar M. Sims and BCSO Employee of the Year was Mr. Johnny Collins.
- The BCSO Jail Facility Ambassador of the Year was Sgt. Edward A. Wellman and BCSO Ambassador of the Year was Sgt. Marc Tochterman.