Giles named Whitfield’s Employee of the Month for November

Published 12:03 am Sunday, March 1, 2020

Count Whitfield County Sgt. Suzi Thorne among those grateful to have a fellow lawman like Deputy Shawn Giles on the payroll.

“Shawn is always willing to take on any task without complaint,” Thorne said as she filled out a form nominating Giles as Whitfield County Employee of the Month for November.

For proof, she pointed to the solo rescue Giles undertook to save eight people after a wreck on I-75 on Friday the 13th in December. Thorne believes his actions that day were just typical of the attitude he brings to work every day.

“Shawn is highly trained in many aspects of law enforcement and is capable of handling any situation he is faced with,” Thorne said. “Shawn comes to work every day with a positive attitude, which is contagious to others.”

Summarizing his reactions to the accident that happened right in front of him and fellow Deputy Andy Center, Thorne said: “Shawn’s dedication and sense of duty even while out of jurisdiction are a credit to Whitfield County, the sheriff’s office and himself.”

After earning the Employee of the Month honors, Giles filled out the following fun questionnaire to give local residents an insight into his personality.

Time with the county: 19 years.

Where I went to high school: Dalton.

My role as a county employee: Court Services.

What keeps my job interesting: Something new every day.

What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: Being able to help someone.

The most important thing I’ve done on the job: It’s all important, from the smallest to the largest situation.

Where I grew up: Dalton.

Children: Preston and Ben Giles.

After work, I enjoy: Working out!

Hobbies: Kickboxing, hiking and working out.

Favorite movie: “Full Metal Jacket.”

Favorite actor: John Wayne.

Favorite team: Georgia Bulldogs.

Favorite meal: Biscuits and gravy.

Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Curt’s.

You can pick four people to have dinner with (anyone from any time in history) — who are your choices? My mom, dad and two sons (most important people!).

I’m most proud of: The person I am.

Cats or dogs? Dogs.

Cake or pie? Both.

Cornbread or roll? Roll.

Favorite car? ’57 Chevy.

Host or be hosted? Be hosted.

Early riser or sleep in? Early riser.

Favorite vacation: Never a bad vacation.

Best teacher I ever had and why? Ben Kiker — many life lessons learned.

Pet peeve: Don’t have rude behavior.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s this: Be nice until it’s time not to be nice.

Who has had the most impact on my life? My mom (Gloria Giles).

What’s left on your bucket list: Stay in a hut in Bora Bora.

If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been this: A WWE superstar.

If I could have two wishes, they would be: 1) My children to always be happy. 2) I could put a smile on one person’s face a day.

You’d be surprised to learn that I: Love to dance.

The best advice I ever got: Always keep your hands up.