Deputy Gary Long named Court Security Officer of the Year www.privateofficer.com
RICHMOND KY Aug 11 2012 — Out of the 12 court security officers in the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, the vote for 2011 Court Security Officer of the Year was unanimous.
Deputy Gary Long was given the award Wednesday by Major Mike Coyle, chief deputy, and Deputy Nolan Winkler, who is corporal in charge of the sheriff’s court security detail.
Madison County, along with Clark County, falls within the 25th Judicial Circuit, which has seven judges, three in district court, two in family court and two in circuit court.
“These guys secure the courtrooms, the outer perimeter of the courtroom, and they provide security for the attorneys, jurors and judges,” Coyle said.
Court security officers formerly were known as bailiffs, he said.
At one time, only two bailiffs were employed for all courts in Madison County, Winkler said.
“We’ve gone from two to 12,” he said.
“In 2011-2012, the rise in criminal activity has grown to an unbelievable peak as far as our detention center population and court systems are concerned,” Coyle said. “Our judges are seeing so many more cases which puts more of a load on our court security officers.”
Coyle said Long was selected for his abilities and his loyalty on the job.
“He makes Madison County proud, he makes the sheriff’s office proud and his peers are the ones who honored him by selecting him,” he said.
“There’s nothing you can ask of him that he won’t do,” Winkler said.
Long has worked for the Madison County Sheriff’s Department since 2008.
He is a graduate of Madison County Schools and served from 1967 to 1969 with the U.S. Army, fighting in the Vietnam War.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my lifetime,” Long said after being given a plaque for his service and dedication. “I don’t deserve this. There’s so many people involved in all this.”
Long said he finds much satisfaction in his court security job.
“I feel like I’m doing something that’s worthwhile, and I work with good people,” he said. “It’s an honor.”
Source:richmond register
