Georgia DCS Recognizes Employees and Partners at the 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony

Forsyth, GA - The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) recognized employees, teams, and community partners for their service, leadership, and contributions to public safety during the 2026 DCS Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the work our team members do every day and the difference they make in communities across Georgia,” said DCS Commissioner Scott Maurer. “This ceremony gives us an opportunity to recognize those efforts and the people who make our mission possible. I’m proud of what they have accomplished and grateful for their commitment to this agency and the people we serve.”

During the ceremony, DCS presented several awards recognizing accomplishments and contributions during Fiscal Year 2026. The awards and this year’s recipients include:

Employee of the Year Awards: Recognizing an outstanding sworn and non-sworn employee who consistently delivered high-quality work and made significant contributions within the criminal justice field.

• 2026 Employee of the Year (Sworn) Winner: Martin Vasquez, Community Supervision Officer II, Atlantic Circuit

• 2026 Employee of the Year (Non-Sworn) Winner: Danielle James, Administrative Assistant II, District 9

Leadership Award: Recognizing an employee for exceptional performance in addressing issues and concerns that impacted the agency’s work and environment.

• 2026 Leadership Award Winner: Mark Gordon, Assistant Chief Community Supervision Officer, Brunswick Circuit

Stakeholder Awards: Recognizing public and private DCS stakeholders who further our mission or make substantial contributions to individuals under supervision and the general public, ultimately enhancing public safety and community welfare.

• 2026 Stakeholder Award (Private) Winner: Hank Arnold, Founder and Director, Coweta FORCE

• 2026 Stakeholder Award (Public) Winner: Rod Howell, Sheriff, Colquitt County Sheriff's Office

Tiffany Bishop Award: Recognizing exceptional officers within their first year of service who excel in their work and foster unity among colleagues and the community.

• 2026 Tiffany Bishop Award Winner: Julia Morris, Community Supervision Officer I, Bell-Forsyth Circuit

Heroism Award: Recognizing acts of heroism or outstanding deeds that protected life and property.

• 2026 Heroism Award Winner: Thomas Kuhns, Community Supervision Officer I, Flint Circuit

• 2026 Heroism Award Winner: John Crew, Community Supervision Officer III, Brunswick Circuit

Customer Service Award: Recognizing an employee who provides exceptional support to co-workers, individuals under supervision, or the general public, contributing to public safety and community well-being.

• 2026 Customer Service Award Winner: Corey Brittain, Americans with Disabilities Act Liaison, Field Operations Unit

Day Reporting Center (DRC) Awards: Recognizing Day Reporting Centers for outstanding performance in advancing the DCS mission and providing opportunities for successful outcomes for individuals under supervision.

• 2026 DRC Outstanding Performance Award Winner(s): Gainesville Day Reporting Center and Houston/Warner Robins Grant Funded Day Reporting Center

Innovation Award: Recognizing employees who have initiated and implemented innovative best practices that create agency efficiencies, further the DCS mission, or make a significant contribution to individuals under supervision and/or DCS officers and staff.

• 2026 Innovation Award Winner: Phillip McCrary, Independent Learning and Development Supervisor, Training & Professional Development Unit

Circuit of the Year Award: Recognizing a DCS Circuit’s performance and accomplishments within the fiscal year. 

• 2026 Circuit of the Year Award Winner: West Georgia Circuit - District 6

Video Spotlight of the Year Award: Recognizing exemplary work by Community Supervision Officers in the field, demonstrating the highest standards of person-centered supervision and the use of Enhanced Supervision Program (ESP) skills.

• 2026 Video Spotlight of the Year Award Winner: Harris Gaines, Community Supervision Officer III, Northern Circuit

The ceremony also recognized employees reaching significant career milestones, including recipients of Faithful Service Awards for 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of state service, as well as recipients of Command College and Public Safety scholarships.

DCS congratulates all award recipients and honorees on this well-deserved recognition. Their service and accomplishments reflect the Department’s core values and continued commitment to public safety and successful outcomes throughout Georgia.

About the Georgia Department of Community Supervision:

As an integral part of the criminal justice system, we protect and serve the state of Georgia through effective and efficient community supervision while providing opportunities for successful outcomes.

For more information, visit dcs.georgia.gov