Sheriff's Office Employees Of The Quarter Honored

Date Added: August 13, 2013 10:00 am

Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

Sheriff's Office Employees Of The Quarter Honored

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office’s deputies and employees honored with the department’s quarterly employee awards definitely are not the kind of people to sit around and take things as they come. These men and women chose to take on extra tasks, long hours and added responsibility because they want to make a difference. This dedication makes them stand apart and demonstrates that they see their work as more than just another job; it’s a calling. Sheriff Ben Johnson honored five such employees during an Employees of the 2nd Quarter ceremony at the Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center in Daytona Beach Tuesday morning. Awards were presented to a patrol deputy, an internal affairs investigator, an office assistant, a telecommunicator and a volunteer.

Deputy of the quarter Lonnie Feaster patrols the county jurisdiction around Daytona Beach, Holly Hill and Ormond Beach. He makes it a point to talk to every person he encounters -- citizens and business owners alike -- reassuring them he will be there when needed. Feaster was recently praised for being there for his fellow deputies, too. One rainy night in May, Feaster showed a superior level of camaraderie, compassion and support for two deputies who had just been involved in a shooting incident. He stayed by one deputy's side throughout the evening as the incident was investigated, demonstrating by example the philosophy of "never leave your wing man." Whenever a deputy is involved in a shooting incident, even after years of training and preparation, it's impossible to predict what the psychological response will be. Feaster's support in this situation was above and beyond expectations.

"Deputy Feaster's performance has set an exemplary standard for all personnel to follow," said his supervisor, Sgt. Jeffrey Wingard.

Investigator of the quarter Glen Bennett is well known in the Internal Affairs Unit for his attention to detail, personal drive, professionalism and efficiency. He created a new supplemental application form that makes background investigations on potential new hires more organized and easier to complete. Additionally, he recently completed a long term internal investigation that was truly a test of patience and determination. It took many months to review voluminous financial records, conduct difficult interviews and organize the complicated case. Bennett's thoroughness revealed additional potential violations that led to the opening of a secondary investigation. This led to heartfelt praise from his supervisor and the others involved in the case for Bennett's commitment to doing the right thing for the right reasons.

"Without investigators of Bennett's caliber, the agency would not have the superior reputation and respect from the public that it does now," said his supervisor, Lt. Erik Eagan. "I am proud of the hard work, dedication and sense of honor Investigator Bennett has towards the profession of law enforcement."

Employee of the quarter Shelley Hattaway is a 12-year veteran at the Sheriff's Office and is an office assistant in the Internal Affairs Unit. During a recent difficult and complicated internal investigation she was credited with transcribing 76 interviews and categorizing hundreds of associated records. This was all accomplished while keeping up with her regular day-to-day responsibilities. Hattaway's outstanding work ethic, efficiency and technical abilities result in her routinely completing her assignments well before they are due.

Telecommunicator Mimi Perez is an Assistant Shift Supervisor who is always willing and eager to step into any role as needed to keep the work flowing smoothly. She is very responsive to the needs of any trainees or other employees, making sure they don't have to wait to get their needs taken care of. She leads by example through her willingness to improve her skills and develop new ones. Perez's calm and easygoing nature helped make potentially stressful transitions during a recent consolidation effort easier for everyone.

"I want to thank you for a job well done," said Sheriff Johnson during the ceremony.

Isaac Snipes became a volunteer in 2010 for the Volusia Bureau of Investigation where he specializes in financial investigations. His decades of experience and professional certifications in the field were invaluable in a recent trafficking operation. An organization was importing, manufacturing and distributing large amounts of illegal synthetic drugs. The organization established several bank accounts in an effort to conceal their activities, which required a thorough financial examination in addition to all of the other investigative work being done. Snipes' volunteer work in this area was a significant help in dismantling the illegal organization.

"We want to thank you," said Sheriff Johnson. "We couldn't do it without our volunteers."