Office of Homeland Security Recognizes 23 of Tennessee’s Finest First Responders
Friday, September 11, 2009 | 10:16am
Annual Awards Ceremony Recognizes Excellence in Emergency Service Statewide
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (OHS) today honored the commitment and sacrifice of 23 Tennessee first responders from the state’s 11 Homeland Security Districts at a unique recognition ceremony held at the State Capitol in Nashville. The second annual event recognized first responders from all areas within the emergency services discipline.
“Every day, Tennessee’s first responders selflessly come to the aid of their fellow man without hesitation,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “The anniversary of 9/11 provides the State with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the courageous spirit and heroic efforts of all of Tennessee’s first responders. The 23 individuals honored today represent the many diverse ways in which first responders protect and safeguard our citizens, communities and State.”
Law enforcement and first responders actively promote emergency preparedness within their communities on a daily basis. Whether by responding directly to an emergency, creating policy and procedures or training staff and volunteers, Tennessee’s state and local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and emergency management officials work daily to ensure the safety and security of the state.
The 23 first responders honored at the First Responder Award Ceremony were selected by officials within the state’s Homeland Security Districts. Those honored at the ceremony were:
- District 1 – Timothy F. Eads, Major, Bristol Police Department
- District 1 – Nes Levotch, Director, Washington County Emergency Management Agency
- District 2 – William Muhlfied, Officer, Knoxville Police Department
- District 2 – Paul Trumpore, Captain, Knoxville Fire Department
- District 3 – Tony Finnell, Director, Meigs County Emergency Management Agency
- District 3 – Richard Taylor, Area Coordinator, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
- District 4 – Carmen Burnette, EMT-Paramedic, Putnam County Emergency Medical Services
- District 4 – Rhonda Roberts, Unit Director, Overton County Rescue Squad
- District 5/Nashville UASI – Heidi Jordan, Training, Exercise and Community Outreach Coordinator, Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management
- District 5/Nashville UASI – Bill Jorgensen, Director, Williamson County Emergency Communications
- District 6 – Murray Blackwelder, Sheriff, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department
- District 6 – Milton Brinkley, Sergeant, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
- District 7 – John R. Smith, Lieutenant, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department
- District 7 – Warren J. Vaughn, Deputy Director, Dickson County Emergency Management Agency
- District 8 – Robin Howell, Sergeant, Columbia Police Department & Assistant Chief, Maury Hazardous Operations Team
- District 8 – Louis Varacalle, Firefighter, City of Columbia Fire Department & Captain, Maury Hazardous Operations Team
- District 9 – Ron Bennett, Lieutenant, Trenton Police Department*
- District 9 – Eric Horne, Officer, Trenton Police Department*
- District 9 – Kevin Sugg, Officer, Alamo Police Department
- District 10 – Becky Hodge, EMT/EMD, Hardeman County Ambulance Service*
- District 10 – Shirlinda Savahl, EMT-P, Hardeman County Ambulance Service*
- District 10 – Robert Collett, Deputy, Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department
- District 11/Memphis UASI – John Selberg, Assistant Fire Chief, Germantown Police Department
* Indicates recipients recognized jointly
“Tennesseans all across the state have benefitted from the brave and skillful actions of these first responders,” added Mitchell. “Some folks may not notice the contributions they make on a daily basis, but their commitment to the safety of our state and residents is a top priority.”
The ceremony is one of the Office of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month activities. National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort encouraging Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. Critical to the preparedness process are the men and women who serve our state and citizens as first responders.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/Safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.