Chamber recognizes outstanding firefighters, police officers
The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce recognized and thanked the men and women who keep Shelby County residents safe at its September luncheon.
Fire and police departments from around the county were invited to nominate a firefighter, police officer or sheriff’s deputy for the 2016 Safety Awards, an annual award ceremony hosted by the chamber. Around 200 individuals, including the nominees, family members and representatives of the departments, attended the Sept. 27 luncheon at Pelham Civic Complex.
“Sometimes I think we take for granted the many advantages we have as Americans, oftentimes forgetting that they come at a cost,” said Leroy Nix, a representative of luncheon sponsor Alabama Power, “but you and your families recognize that your service to others is not free. It’s not free of commitment, it’s not free of sacrifice, it’s not free of worry, it’s not free of danger.”
Nix thanked the public safety officers at the luncheon for their service and all they do in the county.
Chamber CEO and President Kirk Mancer also thanked the firefighter and law enforcement officers in Shelby County for their hard work.
“All of us who live in Shelby County know the tremendous quality of life we’re fortunate to have,” Mancer said. “A significant part of that is the outstanding men and women who serve in law enforcement and as firefighters.”
In addition to the individuals who were recognized at the luncheon, Mancer noted that it takes great teamwork to run a successful public safety department.
A representative from each fire and police department present at the luncheon gave a brief introduction of the award winner, offering examples of their dedication.
Officer Paul Williams of Chelsea Fire and Rescue said Lt. Taylor Gunnels, Chelsea’s recipient of Firefighter of the Year, remains committed through the community through several programs, including CPR instruction. Gunnels has nine years in the fire service and also serves as a firefighter with the Cahaba Valley Fire Department.
“Taylor and I have worked together, side by side as firefighters,” Williams said. “He’s an excellent medic. … We love to serve, and that’s why people like Taylor and all of these other guys ended up finding their way to do this. They have a servant’s heart.”
Gunnels goes above and beyond and shows pride in his work, Williams said, and has helped grow the department’s automated external defibrillator program.
“He’s really accomplished a lot in his life as a firefighter. We’re very proud of him,” Williams said.
Sheriff John Samaniego recognized Deputy Terry Gowers, who has 19 years of service under his belt. Gowers started his career at the Shelby County Jail and has quickly moved up to patrolling as a deputy sheriff, Samaniego said.
“I could list tons of things, but he has been very active in his job and does an absolutely impeccable job every time [a task] is given to him,” he said.
Gowers also has a great relationship with the community, including the South Shelby County area where he mainly patrols. With the Sheriff’s Office, Gowers has served as a tactical officer, field training officer and several other areas.
“I’m proud of Deputy Gowers, more than he’ll ever know. He serves the citizens of Shelby County with in a degree of professionalism, integrity and respect. It is my honor and privilege, Terry, to nominate you for this award.”
As other individuals spoke on behalf of their nominees, they noted that individuals serving in public safety do not do so to receive awards or recognition. Rather, they do it with a basis in a servant’s heart and to help those around them, said Deputy Chief Jeff Anthony with the City of Alabaster Police Department.
The 2016 Safety Award winners included:
Firefighter of the Year
- Robert Crawford, City of Alabaster
- Ryan Tallie, City of Calera
- Taylor Gunnels, City of Chelsea
- Brett Ashworth, City of Columbiana
- Bill Mayfield, City of Helena
- Buddy Ingleright, City of Pelham
Officer of the Year
- Chris Cannon, City of Alabaster
- Robert Grant, City of Calera
- Sasha Lilly, City of Columbiana
- Charles Hudson, City of Helena
- Jacob Strawn, City of Montevallo
- Carl Perkinson, City of Pelham
- Cleon Williams, Town of Harpersville
- Terry Gowers, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office