Sheriff Paul C. May has released the following information:

Reference: Employees of the Quarter are recognized

Sheriff Paul C. May has recognized four Okeechobee County Sheriff Office Employees as Employees of the First Quarter of 2010.  There are four categories for which employees may be recognized: Administrative Employee, Citizen Volunteer, Detention Deputy, and Law Enforcement.

The recipients are as follows:

• Administrative Employee - Kathleen Watson, Crime Scene/Evidence Custodian
• Citizen Volunteer - Angelo Masi, Missionary
• Detention Deputy - Detention Corporal Mark Garland
• Law Enforcement - Deputy Sheriff Steve McKinley

Kathleen Watson was recognized for her quiet dedication and professionalism in her job as a Crime Scene Technician and Evidence Custodian.  She was also recognized for her team effort in teaching others how to perform the tasks of their job correctly.  She has assisted in investigations beyond the requirements of her job, and has even assisted with dispatching when the agency is shorthanded.

Angelo Masi was recognized for his dedication in his volunteer work as a Missionary in the Okeechobee County Jail.  Mr. Masi has served many years at the Okeechobee County Jail teaching the Word of God to any who will listen.  This has required daily, early morning visits in the jail alone, for a small man of advanced age.  He fearlessly preaches to the inmates in hopes that he may bring those in need, closer to God.

Detention Corporal Mark Garland was recognized for his dedication to perfection in his work as a Detention Deputy Supervisor.  He is pleasant, yet manages to encourage himself and his subordinates to complete their assigned tasks in a timely and proper manner.

Deputy Steve McKinley was recognized for his involvement in a burglary arrest.  In March of 2010, Deputy McKinley observed a suspicious looking individual, and attempted to stop and speak with this person to quell his suspicions.  The suspect took flight at the sight of Deputy McKinley and this resulted in a foot chase.  The suspect was captured by Deputy McKinley, and through his dogged determination Deputy McKinley was able to link this suspect to a burglary of a local business that the suspect had just committed.

Employees of the Quarter/Employees of the Year:

Employees of the Quarter are employees who are nominated by fellow employees and immediate supervisors.  The Undersheriff and Division Commanders choose one nominee from each category to recognize outstanding performance, exceptional service, and acts that exceed normal expectations of the job requirements.

Employees of the Year are chosen from the four recipients of Employee of the Quarter throughout the year.