Recognizing Those Who Serve: "Local Heroes"

The Rotary Club of Thomasville this year developed a program to honor each of the local service brances of our community: Law Enforcement (Thomasville Police and Thomas County Sheriff), both City and County Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Technicians, and the Utility Department.

We have had three cook outs during the workday for each of the branches listed above, with one more scheduled. Each event has been wonderful for not only the people we were serving but each Rotarian that volunteered. Our club has had over thirty members at some cookouts. Many local business donated food and drinks to each event: Its been a pleasure and a privilege to thank these brave men and woman. This project emphasizes the Rotary Brand by honoring those who "Serve Humanity".

As a result of the close relationship between our club and the Thomasville Police Department, we were asked to involve a small committee in the selection of the Thomasville Police Officer of the Year. Descriptions of the actions of each of ten officers of the month were provided by Captain Rich to the committee without names attached. The Officer of the Year along with six other available officers came to our club meeting recently to be honored and receive a special plaque award.