Sheriff Ezell Brown honored several of his officers Friday for saving the lives of citizens or demonstrating exemplary job performance.

This is the second consecutive year the Newton County Sheriff’s Office has handed out these annual awards.

"The public unfortunately does not hear all of the countless good deeds performed in our efforts to serve and protect the citizens of this county," Brown said. "Throughout my tenure, we will honor those among us who have truly gone beyond the call of duty."

Deputies Christopher Allen, Priscilla Tyree and Jeremy Vieira were given the Law Enforcement Life Saving Award. All three were first responders who initiated CPR and saved citizen’s lives, including a 17-year old Newton High School student and a 95-year-old woman.

Investigator Dana Maddox earned the Law Enforcement Purple Heart Award for suffering a severe ankle injury after jumping an interstate retainer wall to avoid being hit by an out-of-control car. Maddox had stopped to assist a previous car wreck victim.

Brown also gave out awards to the top officers in each office division, including Sgt. Mark Polite, Court Security, Deputy Brandon Rains, Criminal Investigation, Cpl. Dale Shirley, Uniform, and Lt. Selena Williams, Detention.

All officers who completed their first year with the sheriff’s office were also honored.