FLEMING ISLAND — During the agency's semi-annual award ceremony at the Clay County Sheriff's Office, many employees and community members were commended for their accomplishments.

Many were recognized for their service and courageous actions, from retiree and life-saving awards to certificates of appreciation and sheriff commendations. 

Some highlights included:

• Marie Doyle, who was recognized for retiring from CCSO after 24 years of service as an Emergency Communications Operator.

•  Crystal Cardona and Giorgio Porttobanco were awarded certificates of appreciation for assisting two people trapped in a submerged vehicle just outside of Pace Island. 

• Marine Deputy Joseph "Brooks" Morrell, who won a Sheriff's Commendation award for successfully saving five people from a capsized boat between Pineapple Point and the Doctors Lake Bridge back in June. 

• Deputy Darin Baine, Deputy Nazar Melnychuk and Deputy Mohammed Mustafa, who won Life Saving awards for two incidents. One for responding to a call about an unresponsive male in a vehicle back in May. The group of deputies worked together to begin chest compressions, monitor his pulse/breathing and ensure his safety while waiting for rescue to arrive. 

In another incident back in June, the group worked together to save a double amputee resident and his roommate from a burning home.

In addition to awards, the ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognize those promoted. 

More than 20 officers were promoted to various levels within the agency and officially pinned by their loved ones. Some promotions included:

• Detention Sgt. Johnell Coe to rank of Sergeant

• Detention Sgt. Troy Van Dyke to rank of Sergeant

• Sgt. Andrew Koehler to rank of Sergeant

• SRO Sgt. Sarah Taylor to rank of SRO Sergeant

• Lt. Charles Jason Wright to rank of Lieutenant