NORWICH – All in attendance left their seats to honor and applaud the winner of the esteemed Joseph J. Benenati Jr. at the 23rd Annual Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Awards held Friday, March 6, 2015.

Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and introduction of honored guests by Undersheriff Daniel Frair, Chenango County Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. shared some opening remarks.

Cutting thanked everyone in attendance not only for their hard work in 2014 with the CCSO, but said that the night was a moment for everyone to slow down. Cutting added that day in and day out the employees work extremely hard at their jobs, and the night was to recognize those who stood out last year in their respective fields.

First, Cutting expressed his thanks to his command staff, who heads four main units, each of which contains sub-units. The five that were recognized as command staff were Undersheriff Frair, Jail Administrator Lieutenant Chris Miles, Lieutenant Richard Cobb — head of law enforcement, Chenango County Chief Dispatcher A. Wesley Jones, and Craig Allison in the Civil Division.

“I wouldn’t be as effective of a sheriff without these great people,” said Cutting.

Cutting added that all of the staff carries out their duties with a smile.