ROCKLAND – Two Knox County Deputies were honored March 19 in Portland at the annual Maine Sheriffs’ Association conference for their efforts during the past year.

Detective Dwight Burtis received an “Honorable Mention” of the annual “Deputy of the Year Award,” by the association. Burtis’ primary duties as detective for the agency is work on the agency’s efforts in curbing domestic violence, said a press release by the Knox County’s Sheriff’s office. 

Burtis was vitally important in the pursuing, arresting, and sentencing of a man who has now been convicted for interstate stalking and sentenced to federal prison for 46 months, plus three years supervised release. The suspect, according to the news release, was quoted as to wanting to “start the worst blood bath in America,” and killing members of the victim’s family from here to California. Burtis worked vigorously with other local and out of state agencies to hold the man responsible and assure the safety of all, according to the news release. 

Sheriff Dennison nominated Chief Deputy Tim Carroll, who was awarded the “Manager of the Year” award. 

The award is presented to a member of management in a sheriff’s office “in recognition of exemplary management skills and many other superior contributions to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and to the law enforcement profession.”  Chief Deputy Carroll was recognized for his professional efforts within the agency as well as chair of the association’s Chief Deputy Committee to assist in promoting and supporting the association and his efforts as a volunteer in the community. Carroll is the past president of Maine Lobster Festival, and, for 20 years as a youth coach of various sports in the area promoting hard work, dedication, and good sportsmanship.  

Deputy Arthur Smith was recently recognized at the Knox County’s Sheriff’s Office as the 2014 Deputy of the Year.   

“Smith always represents himself as a true professional and reinforces those efforts representing the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy as a lead instructor to all law enforcement officers statewide,” the  release said. “Smith donates many hours of his own time instructing others on OUI enforcement and methods of arrest, restraint, and control at the academy.”

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com