I have stated countless times that I am very blessed to work with so many faithful and dedicated men and women who serve our community as employees of the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office. Administrative Professionals’ Day is soon approaching.  April 22 is the official day set aside to recognize and honor Administrative Professionals. Some of the most common ways to recognize Administrative Professionals are by giving them flowers, cards, (to include gift certificates), taking them out to lunch, giving them candy or gift baskets.  Some bosses might do all or some of those things.  However, unless there is a photograph of the recipient’s reaction when those gestures are made and received, they often don’t have a lasting effect.  Normally, many people beyond the recipient don’t even know the person has been recognized.  The reality is this: flowers, although beautiful, lose the glory of their beauty and die.  Similarly, anything edible is good to the immediate taste but ultimately breaks down and passes away.  Money from the gift cards is spent.  Gift basket items get used up.  

While I will recognize my Administrative Assistant, Marie Ostrander, in the traditional way, I’ve decided that she should be recognized corporately as well because she helps keep the wheels of our organization running smoothly. We joke around the office about who the real Sheriff is. I may have been elected Sheriff but Marie is known around the office as the person in charge. She keeps the train from jumping the track. Marie is the catalyst or vehicle that maintains organization for all of us at the office. She manages our calendars and makes sure everyone is where they are supposed to be. I have said many times that behind every good man is a great woman but I am fortunate to have two great women to help me stay on task. Most people who know me and have seen me in public, more than likely have met my wife of 32 years, Vicki. She does not want any recognition or to have any attention brought her way. Marie fits into the same mold at the office. She wants to make sure every task is handled to perfection but avoids attention or recognition. 

Marie’s skills benefit more than just the Sheriff’s Office. She is the chief fundraiser of the agency for Special Olympics Georgia. She organizes and coordinates all of the fundraising activities, including the Cops on Doughnut Shops annual event. Her efforts have placed the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office in the top ten fundraising agencies statewide for several years – many of those years we were in the top five.

When describing Marie, the term “Administrative Professional” is accurate but seems understated. I am just proud to have the opportunity to recognize her in this way and look forward to recognizing other members of the Sheriff’s Office in future articles. If we can ever be of assistance to you, please feel free to call Marie at (229)430-6508.

About Sheriff Kevin Sproul