3 honored with annual awards at Harrison County Sheriff’s Office

It’s not often the public hears about awards given to first responders and especially law enforcement. It happens from time to time but generally, they go about their business protecting the public as best they can. But last week three within the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office were awarded in their separate divisions for their service and dedication, as is read on each plaque.

Jeremy Moore, with six years on the force, was named corrections officer of the year. Ben Cheney, who has put in a total of 14 years in law enforcement with 13 of them being in Harrison County, was named deputy of the year. And Shawn Hardwick, with a total of 26 years serving Harrison County was named dispatcher of the year. Sheriff Mark Touville noted that these awards were particularly satisfying because they were all nominated by their peers within the department.

“I appreciate every individual in this office without any one of them we couldn’t operate as we do. These guys stuck out amongst their peers and that’s how they got this nomination,” Touville said.

“They were chosen and we will give them these plaques here as an appreciation through the office,” Touville said. “You know, all the employees here are valued to me. They’re all valued equally [and] everybody has value.”

Touville said employees do not seek recognition, but he said he supports honoring staff members when warranted. He said the recipients were voted on by the entire office.

The awards program began in 1997 under former Sheriff Mark Miller and continued through 2005, Touville said. He said he is bringing it back and intends for it to be an annual award.