Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes was honored Tuesday morning when he received the Boy Scouts of America’s Golden Eagle Award.
The award was presented to Sikes by his former troop leader, George Ginter.
The award recognizes community leaders who exemplify the Scout Law of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
“If I had to pick two things from the Scout Law,” Ginter said. “Well one would be loyal. You can be loyal in so many ways. And I think of the sheriff here and his loyalty to the people of this community. And then I think about reverence…those two I think fit Stevie to a tee. I admire his work as sheriff of Liberty County and it’s an honor to present Stevie with the Golden Eagle.”
“The first thought that came to my mind when I shook this man’s hand…I shook hands with the president of the United States and I’ve shook the governor of Georgia’s hand, but it is more of an honor and a privilege to be shaking this man’s hand right here,” Sikes said. “May God bless each and every one of you and thank you.”
BSA Coastal Georgia Council District Executive Ryan Barnes said when they started taking nominations for the award, Sikes name came up repeatedly.
The award ceremony was held in conjunction with the 2018 Liberty County Good Scout Breakfast. Ginter was honored for his 75 years of service to the BSA.
Hinesville Rotary Club President Carla Schreihofer highlighted the Coastal Georgia Council’s accomplishments of 2017.
The council served more than 5,000 youth and registered adults, had 161 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venture crews and Explorer posts chartered.
The council recorded 33,000 community service hours and had 105 scouts achieve the rank of eagle scout.
Schreihofer said Camp Tolochee will become the home base for the BSA’s sea kayaking program. Tolochee is on Little Blythe Island in Glynn County.
She added that Camp Black Creek, in Screven County, continues to provide adventure opportunities offering fishing, swimming, climbing and repelling programs and 1,000 feet long zip lines that span the lake.
After the presentation those in attendance committed to pledge funds needed for BSA Coastal Georgia Council programs. The goal of $15,000 was exceeded by $1, Barnes announced.
The funds will go to programs within the council, which serves Liberty County.