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First responders throughout Shelby County were recently recognized during the Shelby County Chamber’s annual Public Safety Awards on Sept. 25. (Reporter photos/Noah Wortham)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

PELHAM – First responders throughout Shelby County were recently recognized for their bravery and exemplary service during the Shelby County Chamber’s annual Public Safety Awards.

The Shelby County Chamber held its 33rd Public Safety Awards ceremony at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

“This event is born out of a deep appreciation for all the great dedication that you and your partners show in Shelby County every day, said Tim Puthoff, chief operating officer for Ascension St. Vincent’s—the presenting sponsor of the luncheon. “The work you do in public safety is one of the main reasons Shelby County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in our state.”

During the Public Safety Awards, each police department’s respective police chief came before the audience and presented the nominated recipient for their jurisdiction. Each chief of police also provided detailed stories of bravery and commitment in explanation for their respective nominations.

The recipients of the 2024 Public Safety Awards per jurisdiction were as follows:

University of Montevallo Police Department

• Chris Lawley

UMPD Chief of Police Tim Alexander named Lawley as the department’s recipient and described him as an impactful person who makes a difference.

“Not all heroes are going to wear capes, not all the heroes have one shining moment but when you collectively add a lot of those small things, they make a big impact,” Alexander said.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

• Brad Bush

Sheriff John Samaniego nominated Bush for his keen observations and quick actions that potentially saved his partner’s life during a critical situation involving an armed suspect.

“I’ve been on the job a long time and it’s in top five of actions on the part of any officer or deputy,” Samaniego said.

Pelham Police Department

• Ronald “Austin” Bowen

Pelham Police Chief Brent Sugg nominated Bowen for multiple reasons and told the story of an instance in which Bowen stopped an individual armed with an automatic weapon who was on their way to a child’s birthday party.

“Over the past year, officer Bowen has become one of the department’s leaders without rank,” Sugg said.

Montevallo Police Department

• Caleb Sims

MPD Chief of Police Jeremy Littleton recognized Sims for his actions during an emergency call which were credited for saving the life of a wounded victim.

“Officer Sims’ actions on that night represent a recent illustration of his unwavering commitment and service to the citizens of Montevallo,” Littleton said.

Hoover Police Department

• Todd Henningsen

Hoover Chief of Police Nick Derzis honored Henninsen for his efforts in investigating and apprehending two suspects that were involved a series of burglaries with stolen property valued at $65,000.

“This case is one example of Henningsen’s devotion to duty as a skills investigator,” Derzis said. “it is my honor to introduce him as the Hoover Police Department’s Officer of the Year.”

Helena Police Department

• Jesse Moore

Helena Chief of Police Brad Flynn nominated Moore for his actions that led to the return of $28,000 to an elderly resident who had sent the funds by mail to a scammer.

“When I think of a dedicated, hard-working police officer that has a can do attitude and is a positive influence on everyone around him, I think of officer Jesse Moore,” Flynn said.

Harpersville Police Department

• Robert Price

Price was recognized by the HPD for his life-saving response in treating an unconscious individual by issuing Narcan until health services could arrive.

Columbiana Police Department

• Joel Roberson

“Sgt. Roberson has made a significant impact on both the police department and the citizens of Columbiana,” Columbiana Chief of Police Jeff Bowers said. “He has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the city and Shelby County as a whole.” 

Calera Police Department

• Michael Roberts
• Amber Hightower

Calera Chief of Police David Hyche nominated both Roberts and Hightower for their collaborative efforts in saving the life of a caller after Hightower received a 9-1-1 phone call from an individual contemplating suicide.

“Officer Roberts and dispatcher Hightower demonstrated courage, compassion, professionalism and humanity,” Hyche said. “They treated an individual in crisis with compassion and dignity while doing their best to protect the public and the person in crisis.” 

Alabaster Police Department

• Edgar Angel

Angel was recognized for his work in deescalating a situation that involved an armed individual who was contemplating suicide.

“Officer Angel acted not only in courage but with compassion demonstrating the true heart of service,” APD Cpt. Grant Humphries said.

Pelham Fire Department

• Derrick Wright
• Galen Smitherman

“Derrick and Galen were chosen together for this honor because they do incredible work as a team,” Pelham Fire Chief Mike Reid said. “They excel in teaching and simply helping those around them be better.”

Hoover Fire Department

• Marcus Chambers
• Lee Kilgore

Chambers was selected by his fellow firefighters at the HFD for his positive attitude, strong work ethic and character. Hoover Fire Chief Clay Bentley detailed an instance in which Chambers put on protective fire equipment in order to approach a dog that was attacking a victim.

Kilgore was nominated by his captain for his dedication to hard work and ability to get along with others. Bentley described an occasion in which Kilgore worked to deliver a baby that was in breech after arriving on the scene of a woman giving birth.

“The fire department exists to serve the citizens, and we are grateful that you are here today to help us recognize these individuals,” Bentley said.

Helena Fire Department

• Shannon Brock

Helena Fire Chief Chris Miller detailed an instance in which Brock worked with others to quickly locate patients at the scene of a train accident.

“Brock was nominated by all of our officers because he embodies exactly what we need more of in the fire station,” Helena Fire Chief Chris Miller said.

Chelsea Fire & Rescue

• William “Billy” Ricketts

Chelsea Fire Chief Joe Lee recognized Ricketts for his work to develop and implement a performance evaluation program and the enhanced efficiency he has brought to the department

“Cpt. Ricketts oversight and assistance to each member of our department through coaching and encouragement was the driving factory behind success in this program,” Lee said.

Calera Fire Department

• Nic Schoggen

Calera Fire Chief Sean Kendrick shared that Schoggen was chosen for not one singular event but for his attitude.

“He embodies all of the attributes that we look for in our employees or members at the Calera Fire Department,” Kendrick said. “He has a great attitude, a great personality (and) he’s always smiling.”

Cahaba Valley Fire Department and EMR District

• Eric Rozell

Cahaba Valley Fire Chief Buddy Wilks shared how Rozell assisted in an emergency situation by providing translations that benefitted the patient and calmed the family.

“He embodies the core values of our organization with compassion and dedication to just serving,” Wilks said.

Alabaster Fire Department

• Wesley Lash

Alabaster Fire Chief Tim Love shared that Lash played an influential role during a situation which the department had to simultaneously handle a house fire and a major motor vehicle accident.

“Wesley is that guy that you always want around,” Love said. “We can put him on any apparatus. You can put him on any scene. He’s an advanced EMT and he’s there to make sure the job gets done and gets done well.”

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