BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The Kern County Sheriff's Office recognized excellence within their own ranks Thursday morning at a promotions ceremony. On Jan. 9, over a dozen deputies were promoted to various leadership roles at KCSO headquarters in Bakersfield. Two separate ceremonies were held for deputies being promoted to senior deputies and others becoming sergeants. Civilian drone hits, damages firefighting aircraft over Palisades Fire Sheriff Donny Youngblood says this is a big day -- not just for the deputies -- but for the department, as a whole. "It's a big day in their life, especially the senior deputy," Youngblood said. "That's the first promotion that you get. The next one is sergeant, so this is a big day for them. It's a big day for us." Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage The Kern County Sheriff's Office says it's still looking to hire more deputies to help refill its ranks. You can find more information about job opportunities on their website.