ALACHUA COUNTY - For one sheriff's employee, it all began with a lost balloon on Christmas Day 1969.

Before the boy could even begin crying, an Alachua County Sheriff's deputy flew to his resuce, recovered the balloon and tied it to his wrist.

It was that moment when the boy knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Tuesday, he was honored with a Years of Service award as he celebrated his 25th year with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Grant Smith was one of four sheriff's office employees honored for 20 plus years of service.

Currently serving as the jail chaplain, Smith has also worked as a detention officer and background investigator.

He says the years have flown by.

"I remember I was standing on the duty post one day, my first day on the job, and I said, 'wow, I'm just beginning,'" Smith said. "And I can remember that statement like it was yesterday."

Tuesday also marked the swearing in of five detention officers, eight deputy sheriff's, and one promotion to sergeant.