Friends, fellow

officers, members of the American Legion and family honored eight outstanding

Fayette County police, fire and emergency service personnel recently at

the 4th Annual American Legion Post 105 Public Safety Recognition Awards.

Officers from the Fayette County Sheriff, Fayetteville Police, Fayetteville

Fire, Peachtree City Fire, Peachtree City Police and Tyrone Police Departments

were honored.

The annual

dinner and awards presentation by Legion members honors individuals selected

officers, others selected by their superiors.

Commissioner

Greg Dunn, the evening's master of ceremonies, commended the group for

their commitment to their work and for giving of their time in other ways.

"The eight who will be awarded tonight also serve in the community

in civic organizations, churches and contribute their time while off duty,"

he said. "Not only ready to give up their lives every day when they

go to work but they use their off time in service to the community as

well."

Tyrone Police

Officer Steven Lafferty was commended for his leadership abilities and

other accomplishments. In April 2001 while involved in a drug bust, a

suspect became entangled in his seat belt while exiting the car. The car

began rolling, dragging the suspect across the parking lot toward a parked

car.

According to

Tyrone Police Chief Roger Spencer, "Officer Lafferty risked his life

was crushed shut and was able to stop the car before the suspect was injured."

Lafferty received

the Fayette County Sheriff's Department Meritorious Service Award due

to "being an integral part" of a seizure of 150 kilos of cocaine,

1359 pounds of Marijuana and $243,989 the largest marijuana seizure and

second largest cocaine seizure in the history of Fayette County.

Firefighter

Paramedic Andrew Lee added the American Legion award to a list of many.

He won the Peachtree City Department's "Firefighter of the Year"

for his "coolness under fire." He has completed many building

projects to save taxpayers' dollars and submitted ideas for equipment

that would make firefighters safer. Lee also serves as councilman in his

hometown of Temple and as a corpsman in the Navy Reserve.

The Peachtree

City Police nominated Cpl. Nicole Smucker. The Department also named her

the "2001 Rookie of the Year" for her accomplishments. Chief

Murray commended Smucker, saying he appreciated the sacrifices she had

made. "I couldn't think of a more deserving person. She donates her

time and is a really wonderful police officer and mother." Smucker

works with Internet crime in addition to performing her regular assigned

patrol work.

The Fayetteville

Fire Department selected Sergeant Scott Fields to win the award. Fields

served as a volunteer with the department in the early 90s. After completing

his degree, he returned to the organization as an employee in 1998. As

a result of Field's actions, the department has received numerous grants

for the purchase of equipment. He was successful in obtaining a $20,000

grant for thermal imaging camera and $31,000 for the purchase of fitness

equipment.

Master Patrol

Officer Scott Gibson, a former U.S. Marine, was honored from the Fayetteville

Police Department. Chief Johnny Roberts said, "Scott is one that

every chief loves to have." He noted that Gibson "is quick to

respond and help others in need. and brings with him a sense of dedication

and commitment." Unfortunately for Fayette County, Gibson is currently

in the process of leaving to work with the United States Secret Service.

The Fayette

County Department of Fire and Emergency Services recommended Firefighter/EMT

Mark Johnson for the recognition. Johnson is assigned to the fire station

in Tyrone. Deputy Chief Tom Bartlett highlighted Johnson's contributions

to the department and to the community. Johnson volunteers in several

programs which distribute donated items to community organizations that

help the needs. He initiated a similar program within the Department known

as "Helping the Helpers." Fire department personnel donate items

which are stored for those in need.

Deputy Sheriff

and School Resource Officer Anthony Rhodes was selected by the Fayette

County Sheriff's Department for the award. Rhodes was the 1998 recipient

of the Sheriff's Distinguished Service Award for his actions during an

automobile accident that occurred during his shift. He works as a Resource

Officer at Sandy Creek High School. Lt. Tommy Pope praised Rhodes for

being a positive role model for the students and staff. He noted, "His

knowledge of the student body has assisted the Sheriff's Office in a variety

of ways. Deputies like Anthony Rhodes make this department one of the

best in the state."

The Fayette

County Sheriff's Department selected Detention Officer Brian Wallace as

their nominee. Wallace is a Certified Communications Officer, Certified

Detention Officer and will soon attend the Police Academy to become a

Certified Law Enforcement Officer. Major Robert Glaze spoke highly of

Wallace. "He is a very hard worker, is conscientious and dedicated.

He continually strives for perfection." Wallace has also worked as

a 911 dispatcher for Fayette County in the past.