1 of 5

The American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 in Pelham celebrated valor and recognized the service of local first responders during a ceremony held at the Pelham Senior Center on Thursday, July 11. (For the Reporter/Nancy Waller)

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 in Pelham celebrated valor and recognized the service of local first responders during a ceremony held at the Pelham Senior Center on Thursday, July 11.

During the event, awards were presented that recognized outstanding members within the world of public service. Those awards consisted of three individuals being named Law Enforcement Officers of the Year, one being named Firefighter of the Year and one receiving the recognition of Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year.

The occasion was marked by a reception ceremony that welcomed members of Post 555, the night’s honorees, their families, nominators and esteemed guests. During the event, attendees were also treated with a dinner sponsored by the local Texas Roadhouse restaurant.

Amongst the faces of friends and family of the night’s honorees, multiple leaders from represented departments and the city of Pelham were also present at the event, which included Pelham Mayor Gary Waters and City Manager Gretchen DiFante, who are both members of Post 555. Charles Duncan, who serves as The American Legion 23rd District commander, was also present.

In recognizing Post 555’s 2024 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year, the organization highlighted one member each from the Alabaster Police Department, the Pelham Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. All three recipients were supported by a small crowd of both family and colleagues who attended in support of their accomplishment, while Pelham Police Chief Brent Sugg and Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego also spoke to commend the achievements of the officers.

“Anytime outside organizations recognize the hard work and commitment of our employees, we are grateful,” Sugg said. “American Legion Post 555 is a tremendous supporter of public safety, and we are thankful for the recognition.”

The recipients of the 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year were:

• Officer Ronald “Austin” Bowen, from the Pelham Police Department, with an introduction by Pelham Police Chief Brent Sugg
• Officer Tyler Posten, from the Alabaster Police Department, with an introduction by Capt. Grant Humphries
• Deputy Jessie Woodard from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, with an introduction by Chief Clay Hammac.

“Law enforcement is a calling, and being a part of it is truly a blessing, but it is not for everyone,” Bowen said. “I am not a police officer for recognition or praise. But in these current times, it truly is a blessing to work for a community and an administration that recognizes the hard work and dedication that we put in daily. Not only is the calling itself a blessing, but being able to carry it out in the City of Pelham is also.”

Post 555 also recognized the 2024 Firefighter of the Year with a single award presented to Firefighter/Medic George “Buddy” Ingleright from the Pelham Fire Department.

Among the highlights in his record, Ingleright was commended for his completion of the training and education required to become a critical care paramedic—the highest level of paramedic training possible—as well as his knowledge and experience in EMS skills that have played an integral part in the success of Pelham’s RSI Pilot program coordinated through the Alabama Office of EMS.

Ingleright’s record of outstanding service has also been recognized this past September when he received the Shelby County Chamber’s Firefighter of the Year designation and was again honored in Pelham this past April as the inaugural recipient of the Pelham Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Eldon Green EMS Excellence Award.

Additionally, Stephanie Oliveira Morris, who serves as a dispatcher with the Pelham Police Department, was honored as the Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year. In the presentation of her award, Pelham Fire Chief Mike Reid and Morris’s supervisor, Jeannie Davis, highlighted her exceptional contributions to the position and her dedication to role of dispatcher.

In a surprise bestowment, Morris was additionally presented with the 2024 Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year award from The American Legion Department of Alabama—the second year in a row that a dispatcher from the Pelham Police Department has received the award.

“She was outwardly surprised, and received a standing ovation from everyone in the meeting,” Post 555 Adjutant Nancy Waller said.

Upon the receipt of their award, each honoree received a personalized plaque acknowledging their service and a “First Responders Foundation” challenge coin, underscoring the community’s deep appreciation for their dedication and bravery. Each recipient was also supplied with a gift card by event sponsor Texas Roadhouse in appreciation for their public service.

“All of the first responders were very appreciative of the recognition from their fellow (service members) as well as the Post 555 members,” Waller said. “It was a great event for all.”

More Pelham Reporter

‘American Pickers’ coming back to Alabama, looking for interested participants

Area athletes named to volleyball All-State teams, Pelham’s Perry Robinson named 6A Coach of the Year

Pelham unable to keep up with Fort Payne as seniors finish careers

County manager shares update during State of the County luncheon