On Saturday, September 6th, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5150 honored local first responders at the Loudon Fire Department.

For the seventh year, VFW Post 5150 sponsored and hosted a ceremony to recognize the contributions of Loudon County EMS, 911 dispatchers, police and firefighters.

REMEMBERING 9/11


Presiding official for the ceremony was Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert Knox, U.S. Army Retired and Post Commander of VFW Post 5150.

Knox opened the ceremony noting that September 11, 2001, is a day Americans will never forget and “today VFW Post 5150 pauses to remember and reflect on a day that began just like any other but ended with 2,977 Americans tragically losing their lives in an attack that forever changed our nation. …

“Included among those lost on 9/11 were 411 first responders who lost their lives in acts of selfless heroism and bravery,” Knox continued. “In the memory of those who paid the ultimate price, we meet today to recognize the exceptional service of our own communities’ first responders.”

LOCAL AWARDS PRESENTED

On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5150, Knox presented the following awards:

• EMS of the year, Carissa Johnson

• Dispatcher of the Year, Sue Everett

• Lenoir City Police Officer of the Year, Taylor Eldridge

• Lenoir City Firefighter of the Year, Captain Donald Lee

• City of Loudon Police Officer of the Year, Jared Valletto

• City of Loudon Firefighter of the Year, Christian Gonzalez

• The Chris Jenkins Memorial Loudon County Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Chris Goad

• Philadelphia Firefighter of the Year, Nic Foxx; and

• Tellico Village Firefighter of the Year, Terry Schade.

Also in attendance were state Rep. Lowell Russell, Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw, Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris, Philadelphia Mayor Damion Crawford, Greenback Mayor Dewayne Birchfield, Lenior City Councilman Todd Kennedy and retired Major General John Cardwell, U.S. Army.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are a veteran in need or a veteran looking to serve, contact VFW Post 5150 at (865) 458-2787 or www.VFW5150.org.