Awards Ceremony

Pictured From Left: Daniels, Tanksley, Crawford, Sheriff Hunter, Cason, Rooney (Not Pictured: Bunner, and Davis)

On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony. Several individuals were recognized for their hard work throughout the year. We would like to congratulate those recipients.

“Skip” Bunner was recognized as our “Volunteer of the Year.” Mr. Bunner serves in our Citizens Service Unit and volunteers several times per week in a variety of ways. Dale Tanksley was recognized as our “Detention Officer of the Year.” He supervises our inmate work crew and has recently obtained several training certificates to help train members of the agency at various in-service trainings. Hope Crawford was recognized as our “Non-Sworn Employee of the Year.” Hope serves as our Victim Advocate and assists various crime victims with navigating the judicial process and coordinating helpful resources for victims in their most vulnerable times. Jennifer Cason was recognized as our “Detective of the Year.” Sheriff Hunter cited her work on several cases, including several crimes against children. Michael Rooney was recognized as our “Deputy of the Year.” Rooney is certified to train in several areas and has assisted other employees with in-service training, and his work on a particular fraud case through his involvement on our interdiction team was highlighted by Sheriff Hunter.

Sheriff Hunter also highlighted two other employees for their supervisory roles within the agency. Lt. Ronnie Daniels was acknowledged for his work at the Columbia County Detention Facility and Cathy Davis (not present) was recognized for her former role as our Human Resources Director. Davis, who had been set to retire, voluntarily stepped down from her role as a director earlier this year but has stayed on as an assistant within the Human Resources Section.

Please join us in congratulating all of these valued members of our agency on their well-deserved recognition!

Skip Bunner