In March 2019, Lt. Casandra Smith, a long-time employee of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, received the Sheepdog Society Award by a fellow officer from Monee, Illinois. Michael Drumm was traveling through West Point in 2018 when he had a family emergency. Mr. Drumm and his family had to make a stop at NMMC - West Point where it was reported a family member with a heart condition had to be flown to NMMC - Tupelo. Mr. Drumm and his family were having trouble getting through Hwy 45 Alt traffic. Lt. Smith, not knowing Drumm was a fellow officer, rose to the occasion and provided a much needed escort. During the escort, Mr. Drumm’s vehicle developed a flat tire. Lt. Smith went above and beyond her duty by taking the flat tire to a local tire store, waiting on the repairs, and returning to the vehicle so Mr. Drumm could continue on his way.
Months later, The Sheepdog Society Award along with patches from the Monee, Il Police Dept. arrived in the mail for Lt. Smith. The sender was Officer Michael Drumm of the Monee Police Department.
The Sheepdog Society Award is given to officers by a program called “Cops Training Cops” to recognize officers who go above and beyond their normal duties. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott stated Lt. Smith is an asset to Clay County and the citizens she serves.