Safford named 2022 employee of the year

Staff Report
Posted 2/8/23

BAY MINETTE — Sharon Safford has been named the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year.Safford, an administrative support assistant III, has worked for …

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Safford named 2022 employee of the year

Posted

BAY MINETTE — Sharon Safford has been named the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year.

Safford, an administrative support assistant III, has worked for the bureau for 34 years, joining the staff in 1989.

She jokingly refers to herself as an "honorary probation and parole officer," when assisting officers tackling daily duties.

"Ever since I've known Ms. Safford, she's carried a pleasant, kind attitude and a willingness to help wherever she's needed," said District Manager John Brantley.

Safford's experience and quick-thinking kicked in during an incident of a runaway child, who ended up near the Bay Minette Field Office. Safford immediately noticed the dangerous situation as the child approached Highway 59, which is one of the busiest highways in Baldwin County. She brought him inside the office and comforted him, as did the rest of the field office staff, until police were notified.

"I commended all the Bay Minette Field Office employees who took part in ensuring this child's safety and I am especially thankful that Ms. Safford quickly intervened and got involved in this situation because something terrible could have happened," Brantley said. "I'm proud to have her as part of our team."

Safford is a two-time recipient of the ASA of the Year award, which she also received in 2011 as recognition of her outstanding service to her profession and community.

"I often live by the motto be kind because you never know what someone is going through. Kindness is prominent in my position," Safford said.