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.

Last year, the sheriff said, there were 128 prisoners in the jail at one point. “Ten years ago I never would have thought that in a million years we’d house that many.” He said the jail was at maximum capacity and the office was down on staff members. Cutting said it posed a great challenge to Lt. Miles, yet operations went smoothly.

The sheriff comments that the office has seen many new faces in 2015, but staff remains down 2 full-time staff members and other part time members. “We’re always hiring staff in one place or another,” said Cutting.

86 inmates are in the jail currently, according to the sheriff, and one challenge that has been ongoing is the healthcare of said inmates. Obstacles include diabetes, substance abuse issues, heroin addiction and withdrawal, and due to the resurgence of heroin and use of needles, a rise in Hepatitis among inmates. Additionally, he said mental health issues are a challenge.

Cutting said every year the staff takes part in protective training with regard to medical and mental issues among inmates.

The sheriff took time to commend the kitchen staff who prepares more than 600 meals per day.

With regard to the law enforcement division, Cutting said heroin remains a problem within the county, and the CCSO has ramped up the training by equipping each deputy with Naloxone, or Narcan, an antidote for an individual overdosing on an opiate.

“Some have really struggled with that,” said Cutting. “Why would we save a drug addict? Well, they are still someone’s child, parent, sibling.”

Speaking to the war on drugs, Cutting added there were 286 felony drug arrests, and 600 misdemeanor drug arrests and 219 violation arrests by the CCSO last year. In addition, 36 DWI arrests were made and 143 arrest warrants.

“The problem keeps affecting our society, and we will continue the fight,” said Cutting.

One deputy, Anthony Lawrence, has attended Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training and is now certified to tell the type of substance/s an individual may be under the influence of.

Cutting expanded more on the Narcotics Division and the drug arrests made by that group.

Project Lifesaver was also explained by the sheriff, an initiative that would allow law enforcement to locate those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Autism in the event an individual wanders off or gets lost. “It helps to locate them quicker than regular searches,” Cutting said.

A $174,000 911 Substantiality grant was also discussed by the sheriff. He said this would allow the office to move into the next generation with regard to 911 technology and stay ahead of the game.

Additionally, the CCSO was re-accredited in 2014, something that was deemed a tremendous credit to the staff. “Not one division had an issue by the assessors,” said Cutting.

Before Cutting handed over the floor to those announcing the winners of specific awards, he extended gratitude to the husbands, wives, children, friends, family members, and past officers in attendance. “Thank you for keeping the home fire burning,” Cutting said.

Awards were then presented to those who have completed five, 10, 15 and 20 years of service with the CCSO. New hires were also recognized.