Pitman, Hellard both awarded Deputy of the Year

Steve Cornelius, Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, Ky.
·2 min read

Mar. 28—The Pulaski County Sheriff's Department recently announced their best Deputy for 2022 and 2023 in the most recent Fiscal Court meeting.

Preston Pitman was named the 2022 Deputy of the Year, while Ron Hellard was named the 2023 Deputy of the Year. Both Pitman and Hellard were promoted the the rank of Sergeant.

"So I put it out to my command staff, in December, who do we need to award Deputy of the Year for 2022 and 2023," Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones stated. "The staff chose these two deputies for the award of Deputy of the Year.

Both law enforcement award winners were presented plaques with the following inscription: In recognition for the Deputy who embodies the high worth ethic, while demonstrating an exemplary performance in the areas of law enforcement, and more importantly, strives to assist the community of Pulaski County. This Deputy gives more of himself than asked and often makes sacrifices to benefit the greater good without expectations or of acknowledgement.

Sheriff Jones stated that Sergeant Pitman has only been with the Sheriff's Department since 2022, but has excelled since arriving.

"Preston came in 2022, he stepped up, and he worked at the Pulaski County Detention Center before starting here," Jones stated. "When he started here at the Sheriff's Office, he stepped up as a Deputy and (later) became a Sergeant. Some of the things he would do were proactive, and it wasn't something that I'd have to tell him to go do.

"Since Preston was promoted to Sergeant in July of last year, he's taken a lot of weight off my shoulders," Jones added. "He works the night shift, while I may be home in bed asleep. He's taken care of all the complaints, takes all the calls if a deputy needs assistant. If a deputy has a question, he's the one they turn to."

Likewise, Hellman is new to the Sheriff's Office, but brings a wealth of experience after working with other law enforcement agencies in the past.

"Ron joined the Sheriff's Department and started out as a school resource officer for us," Jones explained. "Upon learning that he was wanting to become a patrol deputy, we put him on the road as patrol and he excelled in that position.

"He's been with other law enforcement agencies for several years, and he's kind of taken over our radio issues since we went digital," Jones stated. "He is one of these guys that I don't have to tell him to do something. He's proactively doing it without me having to tell him."

Also, Pulaski County Detective Ryan Jones was awarded his wings as a certified helicopter pilot. Sheriff Jones stated that the two department's helicopters have played a vital role for the local sheriff office.

Contact Steve Cornelius at scornelius@somerset-kentucky.com.