Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight held a ceremony today to present checks to three local charitable organizations and recognize deputies and citizens with special awards.

Donations were made to All Faiths Food Bank, Community Haven and InStride Equine Assisted Therapy. The Property Section had accumulated nearly $10,000 in unclaimed cash and employees chose to divide the money evenly among the three charities.

Deputy Donald Lewis and Deputy Carrie Luce received the Lifesaving Award for pulling a man from his burning car on April 12th after it crashed on Center Road in Venice.

Deputy Diana Darby and Deputy Nathan Hughes received the Heroic Achievement Award for saving a Sarasota man from his burning home on February 21st. Sheriff Knight presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Kevin Dever, a neighbor who went into the home first and assisted deputies with this rescue.

Aviation Mechanic Scott Sims received the Meritorious Achievement Award and the North County Law Enforcement Front Desk received the Unit Citation. Another 11 employees were recognized for milestones ranging from 10 to 25 years of service to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

“This organization has more than 950 employees and these men and women do great work on a daily basis,” said Sheriff Knight. “It is my privilege to recognize employees and citizens who go the extra mile to serve and protect this community.”