BREWER – Four men and one woman, employees of the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department, were recognized Friday for their dedication and abilities to rise above tough situations.

The employees receiving the awards represented the various operations within the department. Some work behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, while others are more visible, making streets and neighborhoods safer and checking in on local stores. Combined they make an effective operation, said Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross.

“I’ve never been so proud of the Penobscot County crew as I am now,” said featured speaker Tom Davis, a Penobscot County commissioner for nearly 20 years.

The awards came during the department’s first employee recognition night at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer and drew about 160 people.

Those recognized were:

. Deputy Alan Smith, who has been with the department since 1981 in various areas, including corrections, court security and patrol, was honored as Reserve Deputy of the Year. Chief Deputy Troy Morton described Smith as a dedicated and professional officer who has served as a great ambassador to the public and who forged a great relationship with the military.

. Deputy James Kennedy has been with the department since 1988. He began as a jail corrections officer then moved to the patrol division where he has earned high marks in what Morton described as extreme dedication.

“He’s greatly known for his willingness to work hard, always helps out,” Morton said. “He’s been great with the public.”

. Donald Day, named Corrections Officer of the Year for 2004, is dedicated to doing the best job he can, works hard and has taken on added responsibilities, all without complaining, said Penobscot County Jail Administrator Capt. Rick Clukey.

“He’s earned the respect of his supervisors, co-workers and the people out in the community,” Clukey said.

Two Penobscot County Employee of the Year awards were given out Friday, one that Ross said represented a long overdue recognition for Lt. Keith Hoteling, who has worked for the department for 22 years.

Hoteling has been the numbers man for the department, crunching figures for the budget and developing computer programs, including a program that makes sure inmates are released at the proper time, Ross said.

Although administrative assistant Vanessa Holmes has been with the Sheriff’s Department for only two years, she has become invaluable, Ross said in naming her the second Employee of the Year.

For a year, Holmes has come into work on the weekends, normally her time off, and she works so much that Ross joked that he has had to have a detective follow her around just so he could know what hours she’s putting in. She has taken it upon herself to learn all the systems in the department so that if anyone is out, she can fill in.