Shelby County first responders honored
The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Safety Awards luncheon in October. During the event, 14 emergency service personnel who work tirelessly in the county were recognized for their dedicated efforts to protect and serve.
The event, held in Pelham, was sponsored by First Commercial Bank.
Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol COP of the Year
John Devenys
Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol volunteer John Devenys is part of a team that acts as the eyes and ears of the city. One evening earlier this year, Devenys became more than a lookout when he helped amicably resolve what could’ve turned into a deadly incident.
According to COP Director Bill Robertson, Devenys was patrolling one evening when a call came in about a suspicious vehicle. After searching several miles of Shelby County roads without locating the vehicle in question, Devenys saw a light shining from the middle of a field.
“He drove out across the field and discovered a bulldozer with no one around,” Robertson said. “So, [Devenys] called for the on-duty sheriff’s deputy to come have a look as well.”
They discovered an injured person near the bulldozer, as well as a loaded shotgun, an all-terrain vehicle and a cooler of beer at the site. Robertson said the suspect allegedly broke into the bulldozer and took it for a joyride that ended in a ditch. He then injured himself while attempting to escape when officers arrived.
“After getting the bulldozer out, John continued on patrol with his partner,” Robertson said. “His diligence in his service led to that incident ending peacefully.”
North Shelby Fire District Firefighter of the Year
Lt. Scott Swann
It was during personal tragedy that Lt. Scott Swann, Firefighter of the Year for the North Shelby Fire District, first met some of the men and women he would later serve alongside. In 1988, Swann could only watch as firefighters worked to save his family’s home.
North Shelby Chief Eugene “Buddy” Tyler said Swann’s 25-year career with the District began in 1988, and since that time he’s become trained as a paramedic, obtained a degree in information technology and serves as the District’s lead tech on breathing apparatuses.
Tyler, who said he personally chose Swann as this year’s recipient, said Swann takes it upon himself to mentor young employees and displays qualities of honesty, dependability, dedication, strong work ethic and high moral standards.
Swann plans to retire from the District on Dec. 30.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Officer of the Year
Sgt. Clay Hammac
Sgt. Clay Hammac of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was recently given the department’s Lifesaver Award for quick thinking that saved the life of a young man whose heart had stopped. But it’s the lives Hammac will save in the future that earned him recognition as 2013 Officer of the Year.
Sheriff Chris Curry said Hammac, an FBI-certified instructor and specialist in financial crimes and computer forensics, is the department’s coordinator for Project Lifesaver. The program helps prevent those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease from wandering. Those enrolled wear a monitoring bracelet that allows the department to track their whereabouts in the unfortunate event that family and caregivers lose track of them.
“It’s literally lifesaving,” Curry said. “If you don’t find a missing loved one in 30 minutes, the odds go up dramatically there will be unfortunate results.”
Hammac coordinates deputies to make regular visits to homes and conducts mock searches to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
“We looked at what Clay was giving back to the people who have such high mountains to climb,” Curry said of selecting Hammac as Officer of the Year.
Chelsea Fire and Rescue Firefighter of the Year
Lt. Charles (Charlie) Boyd
Boyd has worked with Chelsea Fire and Rescue for four of his 15 years in fire service. Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley said Boyd was selected as Firefighter of the Year because he has shown constant leadership within the department and regularly takes on additional obligations to improve the department.
“He doesn’t just come in and do what has to be done,” Shirley said. “He does more. And he doesn’t just do it, he does it well.”
Town of Westover Firefighter of the Year
Tony Kourmoulis
Westover Fire Chief Kelly Morris said 2013 Firefighter of the Year Tony Kourmoulis was a founding father of the department in 2007. Kourmoulis, a veteran firefighter who holds a degree in fire science, was praised by his chief for “leading by example” and being “instrumental in fire service to the Town of Westover.”