ANDERSON — A longtime fixture of Madison County’s law enforcement community was lauded recently for his work, his ethics and his community involvement.

Alexandria resident Connie McCarty cited those reasons in nominating her brother, Sheriff Ron Richardson, for Person of the Year.

“Ron has gone non-stop since he was elected, and I do not believe I have ever seen anyone love their job and uphold his office with (the) respect and dignity as he does,” McCarty wrote in the e-mail nominating Richardson.

McCarty said Friday the sheriff works closely with at-risk youths, giving them tours of the jail to show them the consequences that accompany criminal behavior. He’s also strongly involved in keeping children and teens from abusing drugs.

“I just think he’s doing an awesome job trying to go that extra mile as far as the kids are concerned,” McCarty said Friday.

But perhaps what Richardson’s best known for is his efforts to prevent domestic violence. The sheriff grew up in a home where his own mother was abused, and he’s shared his story before.

Mary Jo Lee, CEO of domestic violence shelter Alternatives Inc., said Richardson has been involved with the organization since before he was elected sheriff in 2006. The sheriff’s department was instrumental in partnering with Alternatives two years ago to secure a federal grant of $300,000 over two years.

“Domestic violence is an issue that he’s been very passionate about,” Lee said. “Its very real for him. It’s very close to his heart.

“He’s incredible to work with,” she continued. “He’s very dedicated. He kind of goes that extra mile.”