By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Public safety employees from agencies along the U.S. 280 corridor were among 15 individuals in Shelby County presented with 2015 Safety Awards at a Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Sept. 30.

For the city of Chelsea, Fire Chief Wayne Shirley presented the Firefighter of the Year award to Paul Williams, who also serves as the department’s public information officer.

Shirley described Williams as a “very skilled and talented medic” who “works well with patients.”

“Paul (Williams) came to the fire service with a background in television editing,” Shirley said, adding that Williams spearheaded the department’s recent efforts to launch a new public education initiative involving brief videos posted on the department’s Facebook page and the city’s website. “He brought some great plans to that and has implemented a great number of them. I have already gotten good response on that from our community.”

Shirley said Williams also helped with the “Turn Your Attention to Fire Prevention” program and works with local media outlets to disperse information to residents.

Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven presented the Citizens Observer Patrol of the Year award to Eddie Huggins, a longtime member of the all-volunteer organization formed nearly 16 years ago.

Niven said Huggins has been an active COP member from 2006-2014 and has logged more than 2,500 hours of volunteer work.

“He has never missed a monthly meeting,” Niven said. “I think that alone deserves a round of applause.”

Chief Eugene “Buddy” Tyler presented the North Shelby Fire District’s Firefighter of the Year award to Donny Acton, who was chosen by his peers.

Tyler said Acton is the department’s chaplain and serves as pastor of New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in North Shelby.

As chaplain, Acton provides one-on-one counseling for department employees, along with post traumatic stress services after difficult calls.

“Donny (Acton) truly has a servant’s heart,” Tyler said.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego presented the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office’s Officer of the Year award to Chris Blevins, who joined the SCSO in May 1999.

“His body of work since he’s been at the Sheriff’s Office has been exemplary,” Samaniego said of Blevins. “He has received 22 commendations and is known for his calm demeanor and even temperament, especially under stress.”