Multiple Jones County Sheriff's Department Deputies were recognized for their efforts Saturday night according to a press release.
Jones County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Derick Knight was honored with the 2020 Deputy of the Year award at the department's Christmas Party Saturday night. Deputy Knight was selected by fellow JCSD deputies for the prestigious honor, according to the release.
Sheriff Joe Berlin noted in presenting the award, "Deputy Derick Knight has performed his duties in an exceptional manner during 2020 and is certainly well-deserving of this honor."
JCSD Patrol Division Captain Scott Sims concluded in the release, "Our deputies put their lives and their families' futures on the line each and every day. Deputy Knight, who is one of our K-9 deputies, has performed his duties in an exemplary manner in 2020 which his peers recognized."
Later in the evening, Jones County Sheriff's Department Auxiliary Deputy Austin Smith was honored with the 2020 Part-Time Auxiliary Deputy of the Year award. Auxiliary Deputy Smith was also selected by fellow JCSD deputies for the prestigious honor.
Sheriff Joe Berlin noted in presenting the award, "Auxiliary Deputy Austin Smith volunteers his time and serves the residents of Jones County professionally and with distinction. We are both fortunate and proud to have him on our team!"
JCSD Patrol Division Captain Scott Sims said, "Auxiliary Deputy Smith was selected by his peers for this honor. His service during 2020 has been exemplary and he is always looking to assist the Patrol Division whenever needed."
Jones County Sheriff's Department Corrections Officer Jason Godwin was also awarded the Medal of Valor Saturday night.
Officer Godwin prevented an inmate’s escape last week despite being stabbed in the arm with an improvised "shank" fashioned from plastic spoons and a shredded blanket during a medical transport in Ellisville.
JCSD inmate Jason Sandy Blackledge was charged with Aggravated Assault On A Corrections Officer and Attempted Escape in that incident.
Sheriff Joe Berlin noted in making the award, "Officer Jason Godwin is presented the Medal of Valor for meritorious service and conduct in the face of extreme, life-threatening danger in the performance of your Corrections Officer duties during an inmate escape attempt on December 9, 2020."
Inmate Jason Sandy Blackledge was already in JCSD custody for Failure To Register As A Sex Offender and was captured in Jackson after fleeing Jones County. He was returned to Jones County on November 18, 2020, and has been in custody since that time.