Commissioners celebrate corrections staff

Officer Nikki Small is an exemplary teammate, who’s often first in line to volunteer to help others. The variety in her work, from working with inmate crews to transportation highlights her desire to help get the job done.

Shalimar – Okaloosa County Department of Corrections Chief Stefan Vaughn announced his Officer and Civilian of the year recipients for 2017. Officer Nikki Small and Adam Withrow received the awards at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 1.

Withrow is described as a selfless contributor who serves as a Custodial Crew Leader. His natural tendency for excellence and efficiency helped distinguish him to his peers and supervisor who nominated him for this award.

He displays tremendous initiative and productivity. He is a strongly motivated individual who welcomes challenges, which were demonstrated in the water retention ponds and grounds project.

His giving spirit leads him to dedicate his off-duty time to helping the elderly with yard chores and small handyman projects around their homes.

Officer Nikki Small is an exemplary teammate, who’s often first in line to volunteer to help others. The variety in her work, from working with inmate crews to transportation highlights her desire to help get the job done.

Officer Small spearheaded a massive renovation project for the Staff Breakroom. Her efforts transformed the space and revealed talents of other staff members by recruiting them to contribute original art.

She is reliable, flexible, and always displays a positive attitude. Officer Small always strives for excellence and sets the example for courteous professionalism. She takes advantage of advanced training opportunities and serves our community through her volunteer work, church missions, and our own Chaplaincy Program.

Her contributions to our inmate population, like securing clothing and hygiene item donations for indigent inmates being released from custody and book donations to support our inmate library, impact our community far beyond the expectations for her position.

Officer Small always portrays the cornerstone characteristics of our profession: dignity in her strength, confidence in her mission, patience in her interaction with others, and humility in her contributions.

Story and Photo by  Okaloosa County Public Information Office

PHOTO (TOP): Left to Right: Chief Stefan Vaughn, Representative Matt Gaetz, Officer Nikki Small, Chairman Graham Fountain, Adam Withrow and Major Eric Esmond.