ROCKLAND — Knox County Asst. Jail Administrator Lt. Kathy Carver was honored as the Maine Sheriff's Association employee of the year at the Jan. 10 MSA Conference in Portland.

Carver has been a Knox County Sheriff's Office employee for 23 years, having started as a corrections officer in October 1989.

In nominating Carver for the award, Sheriff Donna Dennison described her as a "most vital part of this organization."

"Correction officers are seldom recognized for their work. They have a difficult job, which many of us could not do. After becoming sheriff I had no idea how much work was really involved with running a jail and how important it is to have competent staff," wrote Dennison in the nomination paper.

Dennison said Carver was soon working her way through the ranks to her current position as lieutenant and assistant jail administrator.

"I am amazed at the amount of work she does, Kathy starts the process for new hires, scheduling of personnel, manages personnel, investigation of any personnel misbehavior, sets up and does training. These are only some of the tasks she accomplishes," wrote Dennison.

Dennison added that Carver regularly does more than is asked of her, and can be counted on to help out, without being asked.

"Many times I have seen her drop her work to jump on something needing immediate attention for me or the jail administrator. She also plans activities and awards for the staff. Kathy not only is a lieutenant-assistant jail administrator, but is also a sworn deputy, keeping up all her required training. She can be counted on and gives of herself without hesitation for this agency. I depend on her and she deserves recognition for all that she does," wrote Dennison.