NORWICH – The 24th Annual Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Awards Program was held Friday, March 4, 2016. 

“This night is to honor those who performed in an exemplary manner,” said Chenango County Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. in his opening address. “All of our staff is outstanding, but there are some who stood out.”

Employees in the four main units were eligible to receive awards: Law Enforcement Division, Corrections Division, Civil Division, and Communications Division. 

Cutting expressed his gratitude to Undersheriff Dan Frair, who aids in the administration of the office. 

Lt. Chris Miles handles public safely within the jail and buildings and grounds, Lt. Richard Cobb takes care of all facets of the law enforcement aspect, A. Jones is in charge of the 911 Dispatch Center. The Chief Civil Clerk is A. Craig Allison. 

“Each division plays an important role in the success of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Cutting. “None of these positions are easy.”

“We faced a lot of issues in 2015, one of which was staffing within the jail. The staff is working long hours to get the job done. Working in the jail is a hard job, it’s psychological warfare,” said Cutting. “The new staff can be manipulated, and we help to get them out of it.”

Cutting said the next Civil Service exam is in April, but due to all the necessary requirements, new hires most likely won’t be starting until October or November. 

Cutting said within the jail, there was 18 percent turnover of employees.