As Newton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Freda Holloway entered the rear of a residence on Hwy. 36, Dec. 9, the barn exploded, and the male homeowner was sent airborne.
According to reports, Holloway saw the homeowner lying unconscious and dangerously close to the fire. Holloway, despite the danger to herself, rendered first aid and pulled the victim to safety. Holloway continued administering first aid until emergency personnel arrived.
For those actions, Holloway was honored with the Meritorious Service Award at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Award Ceremony Friday.
The seventh annual ceremony, held at the Newton College and Career Academy, honored members of the NCSO for their bravery, time of service and excellence.
Along with the Meritorious Service Award, another award given to exemplary service throughout the last year was the Life Saving Award.
Corporals Timothy Dickerson and Kenneth Kent received the Life Saving Award for actions taken Aug. 30. According to reports, the deputies responded to a cardiac arrest at a residence on Hwy. 81, and saw a man attempting to give rescue breathing to his daughter. Seeing that the daughter’s face was purple, and there was no pulse, one deputy began giving rescue breathing to the victim, and the other began chest compressions.
After several minutes of CPR, the deputies were able to detect a weak pulse and shallow breathing. After being transported to the hospital, the patient made a full recovery.
Other awards given Friday night where the Deputy of the Year to Robert Warren, Employee of the Year to Deputy William Chesson and Rookie of the Year to Deputy Mark Sanzo. Division deputies of the year were Investigator Lisa Brown of the Criminal Investigation Division, Deputy Jerry Rousell of Court Services Division, Deputy Adriane Roop of Patrol Division, Detention Officer Donna McNeish of the Detention Division and Special Agent Beau Alexander of the Special Investigation Unit.
Each deputy was honored by Sheriff Ezell Brown and distinguished guests Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens and U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson.
Olens was the keynote speaker, telling the deputies and their guests that they are heroes that should be proud and respected.
“The only thing I can really do as the state’s lawyer is to pledge to you that we will forever honor the legacy of valor the legacy of bravery and integrity you bring every day to your job,” Olens said. “And we will support you the best we can each and every day in our own little way. On behalf of your fellow Georgians, I want to thank all of you for what you do to protect us.”
Several deputies in the auditorium of the Newton College and Career Academy Friday evening have protected Newton residents for decades, and they were recognized as well.
Tommy Thomason was honored upon his retirement after 39 years, as was Byron Motley, upon retiring after 26 years.
Mickey Kitchens was recognized for being in the NCSO for 25 years, Dana Maddox for 20 and Michael Cook for 15.
Among the employees recognized for 10 years of service were Brandon Ramsey, Adriane Roop, Freeman Moody, Joseph Lightsey, Timothy Dickerson, Raymond Walden, James Walden, Jr., Robert Warren, Kim Cox, Christopher Bowles, Dale Shirley, Matt Roberts and Debbie Torbett.
Jennifred Price, Michael Cunningham, Joshua Hicks, Oscar Rogers and George Cooper were recognized for five years of service. Deputy, Eric Almond, Detention Technician E’Taysheuna Colley, Deputy Favel Edwards, Deputy Damion Fray, Deputy Katie Gibbs, Detention Officer Jerry Gibson, Deputy Patricia Kennedy, Deputy Freddie Major, Detention Officer Presley McDonald, Deputy Earl Nesbitt, Detention Officer Diane Sanford and Investigator Anessa Westmoreland were recognized for one year of service.
“It’s us running to gun fire; it’s us running to burning buildings,” Ezell Brown said. “I’m proud of each and every one of you.”
