White County Public Safety Celebrates Inaugural Public Safety Awards

Don Strength, Division Chief - Emergency Services Public Safety (Photo: White County)

The White County Office of Public Safety celebrated the service, dedication, and accomplishments of its personnel during the inaugural White County Public Safety Awards held Saturday, August 22, at the White County Performing Arts Center.

The ceremony brought together employees from Animal Control, 911 Communications, Emergency Management, and Fire Services, along with their families, county leadership, community partners, and fellow first responders for an afternoon dedicated to recognizing those who serve White County.

“This was an opportunity for us to come together as one Public Safety team and recognize the people who make this organization what it is,” said White County Director of Public Safety David Murphy. “Our employees serve in very different roles, but they all share the same commitment to taking care of this community. It was also important for us to recognize the families who stand behind them and support the sacrifices that come with public safety service.”

David Murphy, Jr. , Director of Public Safety (Photo: White County)

The program included opening remarks from emcee Joel Williams, an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Scott Lomas, and the National Anthem performed by Brooke Ledford. Murphy provided remarks on behalf of the Office of Public Safety, followed by a keynote address from Chad Black and remarks from White County Manager Derick Canupp. The event concluded with remarks and a congratulations to all recipients by White County Board of Commissioners Chairman Travis Turner.

Throughout the ceremony, awards were presented recognizing accomplishments across the Office of Public Safety as well as outstanding service within each of its four divisions. Recognitions highlighted leadership, valor, professional development, innovation, mentorship, teamwork, community service, and other contributions made throughout the organization.

General Public Safety Awards

• Innovation Award – Collins Dunn, 911 Communications

• Golden Heart Award – Matt Merritt, Fire Services

• Rising Star Award – Emily Booth, 911 Communications

• Meritorious Mentor Award – Matt Merritt, Fire Services

• ARI Award – Liberty Garrett (911 Communications), Jody Holland (Fire Services), Jonathan Jones (GEMA), Patricia Mullis (911 Communications), Joni Schoenbrun (911 Communications), Terry Stewart (Fire Services), Don Strength (Emergency Management), Trace Swoszowski (Fire Services), Josh Taylor (Fire Services), Jessica Wood (911 Communications).

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911 Communications Division

• Communications Officer of the Year – Kay Trott

• Supervisor of the Year – Blake Nguyen

• Valor Award – Jessica Wood

• Beyond the Headset Award – Amber Finley

• Positivity Award – Blake Nguyen

  
  

Animal Control Division

• Community Outreach & Adoptions Award – Samantha Iglehart

• Outstanding Service Award – Anthony Cannon

• Problem Solver Award – Astrid DeWeever

  
  

Emergency Management Division

• CERT Responder Award – Chuck and Barb Blane

• Collaboration Award – Leah Torregiano

• Professional Development Award – Bryce Barrett

• Administrative Achievement Award – Marsha Derrick

  
  

Fire Services Division

• Firefighter of the Year – Will LaPree

• Fire Officer of the Year – Jody Holland

• Valor Award – Trace Swoszowski

• Professional Development Award – Dakotah Allison

• Volunteer of the Year – Collins Dunn

• Company of the Year – Justin Ledford & Josh Milam

  
  

The White County Office of Public Safety includes Animal Control, 911 Communications, Emergency Management, and Fire Services and works collectively to provide coordinated public safety services to the citizens and visitors of White County.

Watch a live stream of the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBwTafB4RZQ