FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Friday, June 16th, 2017
Longtime Sheriff’s Staff Member Retires After 38 Years of Distinguished Service
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:
Ms. Dorothy Hayes, affectionately known as “Miss Dot” to her colleagues, has retired from the Sheriff’s Office after 38 years of honorable and distinguished service. Ms Hayes began her career being hired by former Sheriff Pat Baker in July, 1979, as a radio operator. “Dot was always a voice of calm amidst any emergency”, remarked Sheriff Mitch Ralston, adding that she was known for her skills in remaining cool under pressure, and being a very strong, positive influence on many new deputies handling emergency situations. Former Sheriff Pat Baker said that “Dot was the best at checking and ensuring the safety of deputies in the field in the days when officers didn’t have portable radios.” Sheriff Baker also characterized her as “a very loyal and capable employee” among the best he had. After the transition of Sheriff’s Office communications to the E911 system, Dot served as Chief (TAC) Coordinator over the Sheriff’s Office’s NCIC/GCIC operations. This was a critical management job with no room for error and Dot was well known among law enforcement services for being an authority in that area. “Dot never received a negative audit from the FBI or the GBI, a record of which she should be extremely proud“, said Sheriff Ralston. She was also responsible for training new employees and annually re-certifying all staff in NCIC/GCIC security and integrity. She continued in her capacity through the entire administrations of former sheriffs Sid Roberts and Jerry Davis, and has served under Sheriff Ralston through her retirement.
Sheriff Ralston and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary hosted a luncheon in Ms Hayes’ honor today at the Sheriff’s Office, which included current as well as former colleagues in attendance. Sheriff Ralston presented Ms Hayes with a 38 year “Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Award” plaque and medal.
Ms Hayes is the longest continuously serving Sheriff’s Office employee in the entire history of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office. Ms Hayes wished her colleagues a fond farewell, speaking of how much she had enjoyed serving the people of Gordon County, and said that although she will miss her coworkers and the public, she looks forward to spending time with her family.
Photo 1 (left) : Sheriff Ralston Presents Ms Dot Hayes with “Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Award”
Photo 2 (right): Ms Hayes with current and former sheriffs and staff (left to right): Chief Deputy Robert Paris, retired Chief Deputy J.M. Thompson, retired Radio Operator Emily Thompson, retired Sheriff Pat Baker, Ms. Dot Hayes, former Deputy (and retired state trooper) Steve Yancey, former Deputy (and retired police chief) Charles Stafford, Major Mike Jones, and Sheriff Mitch Ralston.
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