The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners hosted their Annual Employee Appreciation Dinner earlier this month to celebrate those employees who have been with the County for 20 years or more.
Years of Service Awards were presented at this event, as well as, two awards to honor outstanding employees.
Receiving their Years of Service Awards in 2023 include:
20 years of Service—
- William Bargeron - Public Works
- Paul Conner - Tax Assessor
- Marcus Nesmith - Sheriff’s Office
- Tarrasha Scarboro - Sheriff’s Office
- Nagaila Simmonds - Probation
30 Years of Service—
- Ronnie Melton - Recreation
- Tracy Miller - Sheriff’s Office
- Ronny Newton - Tax Assessors
- John Scott - Tax Assessors
40 Years of Service—
- Doug Vickers - EMS
Making A Difference Award
The Board of Commissioners recently presented a new award, the Making A Difference Award, during the annual Employee Appreciation Dinner. This award, given to an employee who exemplifies humility, generosity and a passion for service, was awarded posthumously to Terry Harville who passed away last year. Terry was a part of the Sheriff's Office family and gave of herself daily for her community with many community events and acts of kindness too numerous to count. Her family was there to accept the award from a touching speech by Sheriff Noel Brown.
Charles D. Sikes Integrity Award
The Board of Commissioners presented the Charles D. Sikes Integrity Award to Darryl "Hop" Hopkins. This award honors one of our many employees who demonstrate an adherence to moral and ethical principles, does the right thing even when no one is watching, deals with challenges in a productive and professional manner, and sets the example for honesty, fairness, sincerity, and truthfulness in all aspects of their work.
Described as someone who has great character and is a great example to all ages, the recipient is a Bulloch County employee has a “do right” attitude in his work and in his life. Darryl Hopkins, also known as Hop, is one of those people that you can always count on to help in any situation…most of the time with a smile on his face.
A couple of years ago, Hop moved from Athletics to Facilities at the Recreation Department. In that time, he has accomplished many projects. In most of those projects, he dealt primarily with Officer McLain and an inmate crew provided by the Correctional Institute. In working with this crew, Hop has always treated them with respect and showed a sincere interest in their well-being. Working with inmates has its share of issues, but Hop showed that he could be fair and empathetic while working with them to accomplish projects. He made the work environment pleasant so that they were productive and he always praised their good work.
Hop also deals with many types of people in his new role, for example: renters. With rentals, you will have times when customers feel unhappy. Hop has a way with people that leaves them feeling that they were treated fairly and with professionalism. He is well known and loved all over Bulloch County -- this is in part due to the way he treats people—respectful and conscientious.
“Doing right is deep-rooted in Hop and Bulloch County is blessed to have someone of his character representing us,” says Chairman Roy Thompson.