The Alabama First Responders Association last week held its first annual awards dinner in Birmingham at the historic Fennec entertainment venue.
The dinner featured former White House advisor Sebastian Gorka as guest speaker. Attorney General Steve Marshall sent a welcome video message expressing appreciation to the responders for their service to their communities.
Angela McClure, Alabama First Responders Association executive director, spoke to the success of the association’s first awards dinner.
“Our event was very successful. We wanted this evening to be a celebration for First Responders and recognize them for their commitment to their job and their communities,” said McClure. “Dr. Gorka was an incredible speaker and he inspired so many of our first responders to continue saving lives and helping people.”
Association board member Brett Trimble expressed excitement over the association continuing to honor first responders in the future.
“We are proud of our award winners this evening,” stated Trimble. “These awards were well deserved and we look forward to presenting awards to outstanding first responders next year.”
The following were the 12 awards that were given at the awards dinner:
The Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr. Lifetime of Outstanding Service and Excellence in Leadership Award:
Sheriff Sid Lockhart, Chambers County
The Chief Justice Perry Hooper, Sr. Lifetime of Outstanding Service and Excellence in Law Enforcement Award:
Constable Jonathan Barbee, Jefferson County
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Deputy Danielle Eaton, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Firefighter of the Year
Clint Sills, Trussville Fire Department
EMT of the Year
Arwen McGauley, Blount EMT
Outstanding Community Service Award
Deputy William Nolen, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Excellence in Law Enforcement and Community Service Award
Constable Robert Colvert, III, Jefferson County
Outstanding Community Service Award
Deputy Constable Joanne Sellers Barbee, Jefferson County
Lifetime of Service Memorial Award
Special Agent K-9 Faust, BNSF Railroad Police
Excellence in Law Enforcement Award
Senior Special Agent Bryan Schaffer, BNSF Railroad Police
Excellence in Community Service Award
Sheriff Mark Pettway, Jefferson County
Law Enforcement Agency of the Year
Trussville Police Department, Chief Eric Rush
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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