Even when times are demanding, Whitfield County Detention Officer Ryan Halpin is up to the task.
That’s the word from Sgt. Tyler Mitchell, who nominated Officer Halpin for Whitfield County Employee of the Month for September.
“As Officer Halpin’s supervisor, I have always been able to depend on him to get work completed timely and accurately,” Sgt. Mitchell said, “even when times are demanding. His knowledge of the job is very thorough, and he is very proactive in completing tasks others may sometimes forget, well ahead of schedule.”
Sgt. Mitchell says Officer Halpin “consistently goes the extra mile to assist members and associates of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the public, which affirmatively promotes the goals of the Sheriff’s Office.”
Officer Halpin has been assigned the duty of acting shift supervisor several times, “which he willingly accepts for different supervisors and has always performed well without incident,” Sgt. Mitchell said.
Another co-worker, Ethel Maria Goble, also praised Officer Halpin while nominating him for Employee of the Month.
“When we were dealing with the effects of Hurricane Irma, I was leaving to go home and the wind and rain were really bad,” she said. “My car would not start. He volunteered to come and boost me off. He was completely soaked but wouldn’t let me get out of my car.”
Officer Halpin is “very professional and always ready to help in whatever way he can,” Ms. Goble said.
To let other Whitfield County residents learn more about him, Officer Halpin recently filled out the following fun questionnaire.
Name: Ryan Benjamin Halpin
Job title: Detention Officer
Time with the county: four years and six months
Where I went to high school: Ridgeland High School (Rossville)
My role as a county employee: Processing of new inmates and maintaining safety and order inside the facility
What keeps my job interesting: Every day is a new day, and no day is the same
What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: Knowing that I wear the uniform with pride and honor
The most important thing I’ve done on the job: Helping other employees out and being a team player
Where I grew up: Rossville/Fort Oglethorpe
Family: Two sons: Ryan, 7, and Ethan, 8
After work, I enjoy: fishing, shooting pool, watching college sports
Community activities: Susan G. Komen walk/run in Chattanooga
Favorite TV show: Blue Bloods, The Night Shift
Favorite sport/sport team: Football/Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Favorite meal: Country fried steak
Favorite song: “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” by Keith Whitley
Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Oakwood
Favorite Whitfield County event: Prater’s Mill
You can pick four people to have dinner with (anyone from any time in history) – who are your four people and why?
Princess Diana: For her willingness to help others
Keith Whitley: One of my favorite country singers
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Catherine Bell: Both of these are my celebrity crushes
I’m most proud of: My two sons, Ryan and Ethan
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Cake or pie? Pie (Key Lime Pie)
Favorite car? 1970 Chevelle
Host or be hosted? Be hosted
Early riser or sleep-in: Early riser
Favorite vacation ever: Going to Disney World as a kid
Best teacher you ever had: Ms. Terri Hixon (10th grade Math)
Pet peeve: Being on time.
If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Always expect the unexpected and go with the flow
Who has had the most impact on my life: My Mom, Nana, Papaw, Dad and Memaw
What’s left on my bucket list: To travel to New Zealand and Ireland
If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been a: Respiratory therapist
If I could have two wishes, they would be: spending more time with my sons and to have a time machine.
You’d be surprised to learn that I: Was in the United States Navy for six years before joining the Sheriff’s Office
The best advice I ever got: From my great-grandfather - he always told me never to give up and try my hardest in everything I do in life
Anything else you’d like to say: I would like to say thank you to Lt. David Pickett, Lt. Angie Lowery, Sgt. Carrie Benson, Sgt. Chris Scoggins, and Sgt. Tyler Mitchell for believing in me and telling me I can do anything if I set my mind to it and for always having my back and pushing me to be the best officer I can be. Thank you all.