I am pleased to acknowledge the selection of DEPUTY SHERIFF RAINEE KIRKLAND as Employee of the Month for JANUARY 2012.

On 12/16/2011, an unknown female approached Deputy Kirkland.  The female explained a scenario to Deputy Kirkland that is unfortunately fairly commonplace in Family Court.  The scenario was regarding a juvenile and allegations of abuse at home.  At this time Deputy Kirkland could have only used the power of referral and pointed the juvenile in the direction of CYF.  However, she chose to conduct a field interview with the juvenile to assess whether or not there were exigent circumstances. 

During Deputy Kirkland’s interview with the juvenile, she was able to deduce that he was special needs and had a sincere concern and level of fear toward returning home.  Deputy Kirkland then began an investigation that started off with numerous dead ends that were a result of other agencies not being available or able to assist.

Rather than exceptionally clear the investigation with no conclusion, Deputy Kirkland, with the assistance of Deputy Jim Martin, was able to bring the matter to Judge McVay.  Judge McVay found reason for concern and called for an emergency shelter hearing.  As a result, a CYF caseworker was assigned and the juvenile’s safety will be addressed with the appropriate actions.

Deputy Kirkland’s actions in this case were above and beyond the call of duty.  She used her investigative abilities to deduce totality of the circumstances and acted as a liaison to multiple other departments in Family Court to get a young man much needed help.