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Photo courtesy of the Shelby County Chamber
Chamber safety awards
Investigator Rufus Williams was presented the Shelby County Officer of the Year award. He is pictured with (L) Cpt. Clay Hammac and Sheriff John Samaniego
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Screenshot by Leah Ingram Eagle
Chief Wayne Shirley named Chelsea Fire Fighter of the Year
Chief Wayne Shirley named Chelsea Fire Fighter of the Year
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Screenshot by Leah Ingram Eagle
Rufus Williams named Shelby Co officer of the year
Rufus Williams named Shelby Co officer of the year
The Shelby County Chamber hosted their Annual Safety Awards presentation virtually on Sept. 30, recognizing police and fire personnel who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety.
“Each year we are privileged to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety by presenting them with an award,” said Pari Barzegari, the Chamber’s Director of Community & Career Development.
“This program is an opportunity for us to personally give thanks to the fire, police and sheriff personnel, and honor them for the outstanding service and sacrifices they make each day in keeping our respective communities a safe place to live, work, and play,” she said.
Recipients of the 2020 Public Safety Awards are:
POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Alabaster Police Department: Officer James Watkins
Calera Police Department: Officer Jesse Deerman, Officer Adam Booth, Dispatcher Heather Portera and Dispatcher Katie Cain
Columbiana Police Department: Officer Kevin Perry
Helena Police Department: Officer Michael Prader
Hoover Police Department: Officer Scott Shirley
Montevallo Police Department: Investigator Dustin Gray
Pelham Police Department: Officer Lee Tibbetts
Shelby County Sheriff’s Department: Investigator Rufus Williams
Sheriff John Samaniego said if not for Investigator Williams’ devotion to public safety and mission of drug enforcement, the community would be at greater risk.
“His steadfast resolve and leadership in these efforts have and will continue to have a positive generational impact on our community,” he said.
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Alabaster Fire Department: Battalion Chief David Lash
Cahaba Valley Fire & EMR: Cpt. Stephen Gunnels
Calera Fire Department: Lt. Chris Wood
Chelsea Fire & Rescue: (Remembering) Chief Wayne Shirley
Chief Joe Lee said the city lost a true public safety leader. The award was presented to Shirley’s son Andrew and sister Deborah Dawkins.
“In the 19 years, Chief Shirley was chief, he had a lot of accomplishments… and he leaves a lasting impact on citizens of the Chelsea community,” Lee said.
Harpersville Fire Department: Chief Heath Confer
Helena Fire Department: Cpt. Brian Ryder
Hoover Fire Department: Lt. Eric O’Neal
Pelham Fire Department: Lt. Matt Maples
Chamber President/CEO Kirk Mancer said there could not have been a better year to host this program.
“All of us who live here in Shelby County appreciate the outstanding quality of life we’re fortunate to have,” Mancer commented. “A significant aspect of that quality of life is the safe environment which is created by the outstanding men and women who serve in law enforcement and as fire-fighters. In hosting these 2020 Safety Awards — and recognizing the 2020 recipients from each department — we also want to acknowledge the tremendous teamwork that goes into a successful public safety department.”
