NORWICH – Officers and employees with the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, joined by family, friends and a handful of other local officials, gathered Friday evening for the 21st annual Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Awards Program, held at the Sheriff’s Office, 279 County Road 46.

Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr., in his opening remarks, recognized his entire staff, stating that he “could not do this job” without them, adding how proud he is of the sheriff’s facility, itself, which was recently re-accredited. Said Cutting of his officers and other employees, “We continue to bring a high level of service to Chenango County.”

This year’s Sheriff Joseph J. Benenati Jr. Award – named in honor of the late former sheriff and awarded to one individual in recognition of their career achievements and outstanding performance – was presented to Jail Administrator Lt. Douglas Schult, a 16-year veteran with the agency. According to Cutting, Schult began his career in 1996, and was named jail administrator in 2005. The award, he added, recognizes Schult’s “outstanding work ethic, leadership and dedication,” and Schult – over the course of his career – has “gained the respect and admiration of the entire Sheriff’s Office.”