Handling security at the Whitfield County Courthouse, especially during a high-profile murder trial, isn’t easy. But county leaders, court officials, and members of the community alike were high in their praise of the job that Sgt. Kerry Page did keeping the courthouse secure during the recent Skyy Mims trial.
“It was certain very high-profile, had a lot of media attention, had a lot of family members in from out of town,” Sheriff Scott Chitwood said.
“But he was very hands-on. He asks nothing of his employees that he wouldn’t do himself. He stayed in the trial every minute of the day; every motion, every bench hearing with the judge, everything that involved that particular case, he was right with it from the start all the way through the sentencing phase of it.”
The sheriff praised Sgt. Page’s involvement, noting that the security “went off without a hitch” and that Page stayed in touch with the family members from out of town and kept them updated.
For those efforts, Sgt. Page was selected as Whitfield County Employee of the Month for June.
“That was the primary reason he was nominated,” Sheriff Chitwood said. “That was such a high-profile case, and he did such a good job with it. It went off absolutely flawless. Everybody was very complimentary; all the court officials, citizens complimented how smooth it went, again much tribute to Kerry Page.”
In addition to his performance during the trial, the nearly 30-year county employee also was praised for his overall character.
“Capt. (Wesley) Lynch had made reference that if all our employees were as committed and conscientious and dedicated as Kerry Page, we wouldn’t have a problem in the world at the sheriff’s office,” Chitwood said. “And I’ll take that one step farther. If we all lived our life in the same manner that Kerry Page does, the world would be a much better place.”
According to the person who nominated Sgt. Page for Employee of the Month: “He is always trying to help everyone make things safe during court and at the courthouse. That is No. 1 to him – safety. He goes above and past helping things get done and is always willing to not ask anyone to do more than they should. He puts himself in line of danger before others. He always works well with others in trying to get courts covered and keep the judges safe during court. His job involves a lot of moving people around all day to keep court and things covered. He has to arrange trips for inmates during the day and night. Always on call and can be reached 24/7 for what might arise.”
To help local residents find out more about himself, Sgt. Page filled out the following questionnaire:
Name: Kerry Page
Job: Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office
Time with the county: 29 years and 3 months
Where I went to school: Dalton Public Schools
My role as a county employee: Sergeant Deputy Sheriff
What keeps my job interesting: My co-workers and the people I get to work with.
What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: To see things be completed, and to watch people better themselves.
The most important thing I’ve done on the job: I once helped stop a young man that had killed a doctor, and he later received the death penalty.
Where I grew up: Dalton
Family: Wife Roxie. I also have several nieces and one nephew and their families.
After work, I enjoy: Riding motorcycles and fishing with my wife or my nephew.
Community activities: Going to Salem Baptist Church and the Dalton Radio Club.
Favorite TV show: American Pickers
Favorite sport: Formula One racing
Favorite music: ’70s
Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Zaxby’s
Favorite Whitfield County event: North Georgia Fair
Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: My mother, my grandmother and my father.
I’m most proud of: My wife.
Pet peeve: People that complain about nothing, just to complain.
If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Treat people like I would like to be treated.
Who has had the most impact on my life: My mother and father
Personal goals I have accomplished or would like to accomplish: I would like to continue learning and keep a good attitude.
If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been a: Successful treasure hunter.
If I could have two wishes, they would be: To know what I know now, and to turn time back about 20 years and have all of my family present.
You’d be surprised to learn that I: Used to go caving a lot and stay underground when I was younger.
Anything else you’d like to say: I would like to thank all of my friends who have nominated me for this award.