Glenn Rollins practices shooting with a new rifle issued to Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputies.

For Glenn Rollins, the job never gets old.

"I still like to get out and help people and make a difference," he said.

The 50-year-old field training officer, donning a dark blue patrol uniform, sat in the back of the Chester Frost Park Pavilion on Thursday evening with his arm resting near his wife, Teresa.

He was one of a dozen Hamilton County Sheriff's Office employees honored at an annual awards ceremony.

Rollins, who has worked in law enforcement for nearly 30 years -- 16 of which have been at the sheriff's office -- was awarded deputy of the year.

He has watched deputies he trained move on to be supervisors and some of those deputies have received the annual award. "That makes me feel good," he said.

But this year, it was his turn to be honored. He was met with cheers and applause as he went up to accept a plaque.

"It's something I've never received," he said.

A committee selects the honorees.

Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes was the guest speaker at the event.

"You've got an ally in me," he said, adding. "You are the stars in the community. You are the ones who protect us."

Employees with five-year increments of service were also awarded. Capt. Lenda Clark, who began working at the department when she was 16, was honored for 40 years of service.

Sheriff Jim Hammond said this is the fifth year the department has held the ceremony.

"Many of these officers put in way beyond the normal hours, especially if there's a major case. So we just feel this is a way to honor those [deputies,]" he said.