Chamber recognizes firefighters, police officers

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s September luncheon might have run a little long, but it was worth the extra time, said Chamber President and CEO Kirk Mancer. That’s because it was the chamber’s annual public safety awards, which recognize firefighters and police officers throughout Shelby County.

Firefighters and officers were nominated by their departments, and each department made a short presentation on the officer or firefighter of the year. Some were nominated for valor in a particular situation, and others for their daily work.

As Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis recognized Det. Freddy Hester, who helped catch suspects involved in multiple thefts of Walgreens in several states. By making a connection to other cases in Texas and Mississippi through DNA analysis, Hester made other connections in the Walgreens corporate office and with the car rental company from which the suspects were renting a car.

When another burglary took place over the summer, and Hester was contacted at 3 a.m., he contacted the DEA to let them know the suspects were likely leaving the scene and heading back to Texas.

“This information was relayed to Louisiana State Police, who were waiting for the suspects as they were crossing into Louisiana,” Derzis said. Narcotics were recovered, and both suspects were apprehended in a matter of days.

Hoover Fire Department EMS and Public Information Officer Rusty Lowe recognized firefighter Deramius Leonard, who acted quickly at a suicide attempt on the Lorna Road overpass. At the time the fire department arrived on scene, Hoover police officers had convinced the individual not to commit suicide, but he was on the other side of a fence on the overpass. Leonard and another firefighter cut the chain link fence and secured webbing around the individual, keeping him from falling until further help could arrive.

From Cahaba Valley Fire Department, Chief Jim Witherington recognized Carl Brown, who is part time with the department “but does not give part time effort.” His nomination did not come from a particular situation, Witherington said, but rather from a culmination of his efforts. He trains drivers for the department and has shown commitment to the fire service through the many certifications he has received.

“He is a firefighter’s firefighter,” Witherington said.

Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley recognized a firefighter who has been with the department for two and a half years. Andrew White wears many hats at the department, from working with the volunteer firefighters and Explorer post.

“He does over and beyond what he does on duty,” Shirley said, adding it is not uncommon for White to be at the fire station on his day off.

Shirley said he also wanted to recognize White for the part he played when another firefighter had a heart attack on the scene of a structure fire. Lt. Ben Hostetter collapsed when the team was returning to the structure to check for hot spots, and White immediately called for help, Shirley said. Hostetter required seven defibrillations from the time he collapsed to when he arrived at Grandview Hospital before he was stabilized. Shirley commended White for his quick reaction, adding that it is the first few minutes of care that end up the most critical.

In mid-October, Hostetter could come back to light duty with the department, Shirley said, and he credits the work his guys did and the help of other public safety officials for that fact.

“I think all of those components coming together brought us to the outcome we have,” he said.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego recognized one of his deputies for the work he has done as a deputy as well as his dedication to the community. Deputy James Sellers has a servant’s heart and is dedicated to the Special Olympics and helping those involved, Samaniego said.

And this year, Sellers helped establish Camp Journey, a one-week summer program that helps teach children leadership skills and establish relationships with law enforcement officers.

“The feedback has been incredible,” Samaniego said. “Deputy Sellers has spent a career preparing for what he accomplished this summer, and it will be used as a model to share with other schools in the area. His initiative, leadership and creativity is what we strive for each day.”

The following individuals were recognized:

City of Alabaster

Firefighter of the year - Brent Conway

Police officer of the year – Jason Higgins

Cahaba Valley Fire Department

Firefighter of the year – Carl Brown

City of Calera

Firefighter of the year – Chase Smith

Police officer of the year – Michael Riley

City of Chelsea

Firefighter of the year – Andrew White

City of Columbiana

Firefighter of the year – Josh Dunnaway

Police officer of the year – Mike Peppers

Town of Harpersville

Officer of the year – Linda McCain

City of Helena

Firefighter of the year – Craig Sykes

Police officer of the year – Michael Taquino

City of Hoover

Firefighter of the year – Deramius Leonard

Police officer of the year – Freddy Hester

City of Montevallo

Police officer of the year – Todd Pace

City of Pelham

Firefighter of the year – Everett Hazen

Police officer of the year – Jared Sams

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

Officer of the year – James Sellers