Photo Courtesy of Bryan County Now
Public Safety Officers of the Year Program
The Exchange Club of Richmond Hill has sponsored a program for over 17 years for recognizing outstanding public safety officers that serve and protect our community. Some years we have recognized City of Richmond Hill Police officers, or Bryan County deputies. Other years, we have recognized outstanding Georgia State Patrolmen, or corrections officers from our area, or our outstanding DNR game wardens. All of these public safety officers serve our area through their hard work and dedication, and make Bryan County a safer and better place to live and raise our families.
Following is a list of the recipients of our awards for 2007:
Capt. Mark Long - Police Officer of the Year - City of Richmond Hill Police Department
Michelle Meacham - Firefighter of the Year - City of Richmond Hill Fire Department
Ralph Chapman, Sr. - Firefighter of the Year - Bryan County Fire Department
Lewis Britt Shuman - Emergency Medical Technician of the Year - Bryan County Emergency Medical Service
Sgt. Michael W. Larson - Deputy Sheriff of the Year - Bryan County Sheriff's Department (Awarded Posthumously)
The 2007 Awards Banquet was well-attended, with nearly 50 people in attendance. President Mark Schaefer did an outstanding job of handling the introductions and presentations. All the recipients were well-received, but special thanks to Mrs. Larson for being present to accept the Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award on behalf of her husband, Sgt. Michael W. Larson, who was killed last December in an auto accident, while responding to a call. All of these recipients, and the other public safety personnel they represent are owed a sincere thank you from the citizens they serve and protect.