FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 presented its annual Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year awards on Thursday, June 6.

Officer Shaun Traylor was honored as Officer of the Year for the Pelham Police Department. Chief Larry Palmer said he recommended Traylor for the award because of an incident earlier this year in which Traylor saved the life of a stabbing victim.

“By doing what he did, he gave her the opportunity for life,” Palmer said.

Firefighter Kenneth Mays was named Firefighter of the Year for the Pelham Fire Department. Chief Tim Honeycutt cited Mays as a clear leader who recently completed a rugged diver certification course at age 57.

On behalf of Sheriff John Samaniego, Capt. Michael M. DeHart of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office recognized two men as Deputy of the Year for their actions saving a life earlier this year.

Deputies Clinton J. Williams and Matthew L. Mosley were on patrol near Columbiana when they received a report of a gunshot victim. They met the victim at a convenience store before medical help arrived. Williams, recognizing that the victim was in danger of bleeding to death, applied a tourniquet to the victim’s leg before an ambulance arrived.

DeHart said both men are “consummate law-enforcement professionals” who exhibit compassion, dedication, spirit of service to the community.