Former Gordon County Sheriff’s Deputy Lamar Stephens was honored last Thursday by the Sheriff’s Office for his service of more than 40 years.

Stephens, 86, served under former Sheriff Pat Baker in the early 1970s, was recognized at the Sheriff’s monthly Auxiliary meeting by the Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s Auxiliary.

He was presented with the “Sheriff’s Distinguished Service Award,” a title that Chief Deputy Robert Paris said is “well deserved”

Stephens, who has dedicated his life to public service, served in the United States Navy early in his life . Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked for the Lockheed Corporation and later became a deputy sheriff in 1973, said Paris.

Stephens said Thursday that he’d spent “over 40 years in some type of uniform”.

“He’s just a career public servant,” said Paris, “and has done a lot for this community.”

Distinguished Service Award

The plaque is awarded to individuals for “exceptionally meritorious conduct involving exemplary courage, great risk and danger to the officer’s personal safety, but less than that required for the Medal Of Honor,” said Paris. He said it may also be awarded to an individual for “meritorious service in the performance of an assignment of great responsibility.”