The Dawson County Sheriff's Office recently recognized its tops employees, including two that saved the life of an inmate, during the department's annual Christmas celebration at the law enforcement center.

"We've never given this award out to anybody in our sheriff's office, but it's called a lifesaving award," said Sheriff Billy Carlisle on Dec. 20. "We had a gentleman in jail. He actually died about a month ago... flat-lined in our jail, had a heart attack. These two employees worked on him and saved his life."

Nurse Pam Littlejohn and Detention Officer Josh Rouse were each presented with the department's first lifesaving awards for their "heroic efforts."

"When he got to the hospital, the doctors over there asked ‘What's wrong with him?'" Carlisle said. "They stepped out and brought this guy back to life, and I want to recognize them."

During the luncheon, Carlisle and his command staff also awarded an employee of the year within each division.

Carlisle said the men and women selected as employees of the year for their divisions went above and beyond during 2013.

Katie Drum was selected by Maj. Brandy Branson as Sheriff's Services Officer of the Year. Drum was also the department's overall employee of the year.

Division awards were also presented to Communications Officer Lindsay Ferg; Detention Officer Donna Bennett; Investigator Christopher Murphy; Patrol Officer Anthony Davis and School Resource Officer Ron Bray.