Anthony "A.J." Haymore – Guilford County Emergency Services

Paramedic Haymore was on duty filling his ambulance with fuel when he heard gunfire. Without regard for his safety, Haymore moved towards danger and immediately began treating Sergeant Dale Nix who had been shot. He was soon joined by off-duty Greensboro Police Officer Cameron Peach, who was also at the gas station at the time of the shooting. The two worked relentlessly to administer lifesaving care. Despite their best efforts, Sergeant Nix succumbed to his injuries later that day, Haymore credits the partnership that he formed with Officer Peach as being an integral part of his ability to stabilize Nix. Haymore’s jump to action and partnership with Officer Peach show his true heroism.

Billie Silvera – Guilford County Emergency Services

Silvera’s work with the Behavioral Health Response Team in partnership with the Greensboro Police Department has provided a specialized response option for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Silvera co-responds to those in acute crisis with a specially trained Greensboro Police officer and a mental health counselor to ensure that patient needs can be met regardless of their complexity. She works with allied agencies, physicians, and social workers to develop a care plan for her patients!

Christopher Chipi – Greensboro Fire Department

Captain Christopher Chipi arrived at the scene of a vehicle fire where the passenger was trapped. The engine compartment was fully engulfed in flames when he arrived. Due to low visibility from the smoke, he had to feel for the passenger and cut their seatbelt to free them. Chipi removed the unconscious passenger from the vehicle through the driver's side window and moved them to safety. Simultaneously, another firefighter was putting the fire out. The passenger survived!

Bradley May - Greensboro Fire Department

Fire Fighter May arrived at a multi-vehicle accident where the vehicle in the rear was seemingly still at full throttle. The driver in the vehicle was unresponsive and a fire had ignited in the engine compartment of the vehicle. After forcing the door open to create room to remove the victim, the fire spread beyond the engine compartment, rolling up the hood and front windshield. Chief Lewis attacked the fire with a dry chemical extinguisher and May was able to remove the victim from the vehicle. The victim lacked a pulse and May performed chest compressions until EMS arrived. After custody was transferred, May focused his efforts on containing the fire.

Connor Wyrick & Spencer Hill - Greensboro Fire Department

Wyrick and Hill were dispatched to a reported structure fire. They arrived to find a small single-story residence with nothing showing but found smoke after a 360 evaluation. With limited visibility, the crew made entry and located an unconscious victim slumped over on the floor in the corner. Wyrick removed the victim from the residence with the assistance of Hill. Immediately after custody of the victim was transferred, Hill reentered the structure to continue the primary search for any additional victims. Their quick actions resulted in a life being saved!

Anthony Pulley - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Pulled arrived on the scene of a suicide threat–hostage situation. After arrival, the man’s wife was able to escape the home leaving her two young children and an infant inside. The situation escalated as the man moved to the second floor and exited a window onto the roof, while he used the infant as a human shield. While on the roof, the man continued to use the infant as a shield while talking to deputies down below. By the time deputies reached the man, he had placed the baby down near the edge of the roof. Deputy Pulley dove headfirst out the window to save the infant's life. He sustained several blows to the back of the head. Afterward, the suicidal man was secured and transferred to a hospital to receive the help he needed.

Kunle Adunbi - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Adunbi responded to a call to help locate an individual. The individual had communicated suicide threats through text earlier in the day. Upon locating the individual, Deputy Adunbi could see that they were slumped over the center console and had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. He proceeded to break into the vehicle and was able to begin life-saving measures with the assistance of his partner. Adunbi was able to stabilize the individual, and after medical treatment at the closest hospital, he survived this attempt on his life.

Matthew Clapp - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Clapp serves as a K-9 Handler for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. He has spent many hours training his partners K-9 Jacob and K-9 Leroy and is consistently successful with both dogs. Recently, K-9 Leroy and Clapp were able to track down a juvenile who ran away and was lost in the woods. He was returned to his family shortly after. Additionally, Clapp and his K-9s often assist on VICE and Street Crime Operations. This year they have located drugs like cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamines, and drug money.

Melvin Vasquez - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Vasquez is assigned to the DWI Task Force and is tasked with the enforcement of DWI’s in the area. Since January first of this year, Vasquez has reached over 1440 people while assisting with the DWI education program. Additionally, he has made 99 DWI arrests and written over 367 traffic violations this year. His dedication to his job makes Guilford County a safer place to live and drive!

Albert King - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Officer King works tirelessly to keep Greensboro Jail Central and High Point Detention Center drug free. He spends countless hours listening to phone calls, reading text messages, and searching mail to ensure contraband doesn’t enter either facility. King has also trained the Detention Tactical Team in the facility to specifically target the substance K2 which has recently become a nuisance in both jails. In addition, King works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure gang members are separated properly inside the facilities.

Aline Almonor - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Almonor showcases incredible leadership and dedication in her role as director for the Community Resource Unit (CRU). She coordinates events and oversees programs like Junior Deputies, Explorer Post, and VIPs. Almonor has also worked in the Personnel and Training Division where she manages intern applications, professor interviews, and conducts background investigations. Her hard work ensures that both divisions thrive under consistent leadership and guidance.

Youlandra George - Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant George plays a key role in the High Point Detention Center, managing day-to-day operations with exceptional leadership. She leads by example, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Known for her dedication, she frequently works long hours-early mornings and late nights-while consistently meeting deadlines. Sergeant George works closely with the High Point Detention Center Chaplains’ Office to make over 300 Christmas bags for the inmates for the holiday season She is truly an asset to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and is the engine that makes the Day Staff operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Angie Linker - Concord Police Department

A 29-year veteran of the Concord Police Department; Officer Linker has dedicated her life to serving the community she loves. She was an integral part of the Problem Action Team and is a leader in the department’s Field Training program. Additionally, she was the first female member of the department’s SWAT team. She currently serves her community as a School Resource Officer at Central Cabarrus High School where she is a protector, mentor, and role model.

Michael Bohannon - Fayetteville Police Department

Lieutenant Bohannon oversees the department's Police Activity League (PAL), a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for the youth of Fayetteville. PAL’s mission is to expand youth knowledge and experiences through programs led by positive role models like police officers, educators, and volunteers. Despite nationwide staffing shortages, Bohannon dedicates countless hours to make events successful and impactful for kids, including the highly successful “Shop with a Cop” program.

Alexander Corpening - Lake James Fire and Rescue

With 45 years of service, including 28 as Fire Chief, Alexander leads as the main incident commander for most local emergencies. This year, he has handled 234 calls, providing critical aid to his community, while also volunteering at his church and with the Community Service Work Program.

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Team - Hickory Fire Department

The Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting team is a highly skilled team who serve to protect the Hickory Regional Airport. It is led by Phillip Cable and comprised of 6 – 8 firefighters. The station is manned by one of these individuals at any given time. In the event of an aircraft emergency, a SINGLE firefighter has the sole responsibility to operate the team truck, communicate with the air traffic control tower, and coordinate any incoming fire and rescue personnel. They can also serve as an initial responder for medical emergencies, alarms of fire, and service calls that occur on airport property.

Candace White - Burke County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Candace White often goes above and beyond in her assigned duties. She is proactive with drug watching areas of known drug activity which have led to several arrests and created a safer environment for the next generation. White also visits schools where she works to ensure the children’s safety and repeatedly interacts with them demonstrating a positive impression of law enforcement officers. She often carries coloring books with crayons along with stuffed toy animals in her patrol car to give to the children she encounters during calls.

Gary Mitchell Foust - Valmead Fire & Rescue

Gary is a very dedicated member of Valmead Fire and Rescue where he has been in service for 30 years. He is a responder for 94% of the calls the fire station receives. He is also involved in community outreach programs and at his church.

Joseph Hart - Hickory Police Department

During Officer Hart’s 6th shift out of training, he and his team responded to a shooting at a local bar. While on the scene, Officer Hart was shot twice – once in the side and once in the hip. Despite his injuries, he was still able to assist on the scene and place the suspect under arrest and into custody. He returned to duty on July 5th, 2024, after his injuries were healed.

Keith "Chip" Duncan - North Catawba Fire Rescue

Chip has practically grown up in the Sawmill Fire Station where he has over 40 years of experience as a firefighter and first responder. In 2019, Chip was diagnosed with leukemia and fought cancer to make his way back into firefighting. He joined the North Catawba Fire Rescue in 2023 where he continues to serve his community as the Driver Operator for the station. More importantly, he serves as a mentor to the young men and women who volunteer with the fire station.

Antonio Woodley - Rocky Mount Fire Department

Antonio has served with The City of Rocky Mount Dire Department for 26 years. On his days off from the department he volunteers at the Whitakers, Red Oak, and West Edgecombe fire departments. In the past, he also worked with the West Edgecombe EMS and Edgecombe EMS ambulance services. In addition to his service to his community he also fought voluntarily for our country in Iraq.

Matthew Driver - Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Driver responded to a male victim with a gunshot wound near Rocky Mount. Matthew immediately began life saving measures, and continued performing CPR until EMS arrived, and care was transferred to them. His actions went above and beyond the call of duty and gave the victim's family reassurance that every step was being taken for their loved one. Matthew served this family and continues to serve all of Edgecombe County with a high degree of respect, integrity, and professionalism.

Shavon Shaw - Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office

Detective Shaw is highly motivated and one of Edgecombe County’s first female detectives. Her specialty often deals with extreme cases of child abuse and child sexual assaults. She cares greatly about the victims she works with and continues to uplift those around her with her positive attitude and her diligent work ethic.

Zyquavion "Zy" Blango - Edgecombe County EMS

Zy started his EMS career in 2018 and has quickly risen through the ranks. He is a cornerstone of the B-Shift team and is known for his commitment to exceptional patient care. As an adjunct instructor for the Field Training and Evaluation Program, he is instrumental in shaping new employees and helping them develop the skills necessary to excel in the field.

Rahsun Lawrence - Rocky Mount Police Department

Officer Lawrence is actively involved with the community and has devoted his policing efforts as a School Resource Officer at Rocky Mount Senior High where he builds role model relationships with the students. He is also the coach of the Rocky Mount Police Department wrestling team, leading students to multiple victories across the state. He often dedicates his time to community events to further build the positive image of policing in Rocky Mount.

Austin Hardy - Lee County Sheriff's Office

On September 29, 2024, the Lee County Sheriff's Office sent several staff members to the western part of North Carolina to aid with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Austin worked tirelessly through several challenging conditions, including total power outage and very limited resources. In addition to her other duties, Austin volunteered to join other members on a search and rescue mission.

Jan Snipes - Harnett County Emergency Services

Jan has dedicated over 30 years of service to her community. She joined Harnett County EMS in 1994, where she served as District Chief until her retirement. Jan has a deep passion for educating others. She is committed to sharing her experience and guiding new employees through difficult situations with compassion and genuine care.

Ken Cotton - City of Sanford Fire Department

Chief Cotten has retired from the Sanford Fire Department after more than 38 years of dedicated service to the city. Throughout his career, Chief Cotten has played a key role in so many projects that have helped shape the department including fire and life safety education, fire investigations, safe kids’ campaigns, and keeping the apparatus fleet running. Another project is Sanford’s newest fire station, slated to open later this year. Throughout its design and construction, Chief Cotten has advocated for a state-of-the-art building that will not only serve the needs of the city today, but for years to come.

Johnny Allen - Raleigh Fire Department

Assistant Chief Allen is a man who has served his community and country for many years. After his time in the Army, he has worked with the Angier Fire Department, City of Raleigh Fire Department, Harnett County EMS, Wake Med, Swift water rescue team, and is a member of the US Army Reserves. Chief Allen spends his free time educating the firemen of Wake and Harnett Counties at Wake Tech and Central Carolina community colleges.

Ty Pearson - Angier Black River Fire Department

Ty jumpstarted his career in the Fire Tech program in high school and joined the department as a junior firefighter. Currently, Ty is active within the department and is eager to respond to calls even at a young age. Additionally, Ty works for the town of Angier in the parks and rec division, organizing seasonal sports and maintaining the athletic fields.

Tate Smith - Holly Springs Fire Rescue

In his short tenure with the Town of Holly Springs Fire Department, Firefighter Tate Smith has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to both his firefighting duties and the greater community. When the department, in partnership with Wake County Emergency Management, deployed personnel to aid relief efforts in Western NC, Tate was among the first to volunteer. Tate and his crew worked tirelessly, dedicating 12 to 14-hour shifts to help local firefighters and community members, even filling in at fire stations to allow local responders time to rest and care for their families.

Harnett County 911 Team - Harnett County 911 Communications

Through the TERT program, which enables 911 centers across the state to support one another during times of increased staffing needs, members of the Harnett County 911 team quickly deployed to the western region to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Facing unimaginable challenges, they answered some of the most harrowing 911 calls of their careers, spending multiple days immersed in the heart of the storm’s devastation. Working 12-hour night shifts, they provided crucial relief by managing overflow call volumes, ensuring help reached those in desperate need. With the region's telecommunications infrastructure severely impacted, their dedication became a lifeline for countless individuals.

Despite the daunting circumstances, the Harnett County 911 team never hesitated when called upon. They knowingly stepped into what would become one of the most challenging experiences of their careers, driven by a commitment to serve. Their actions not only brought hope to a devastated community but also saved many lives during one of its darkest hours.

Devon Williamson - High Point Police Department

Devon Williamson is a school resource officer who has a passion for guiding and mentoring the next generation of High Point. Devon created the Centennial Program, which allows speakers to visit the school to educate students about financial literacy, budgeting, and interviewing skills. The program allocates funding towards buying students business casual attire if their family is unable to. Devon cares deeply about these young people and it is evident in all that he does for this program.

Camrin Park - Durham Police Department

Investigator Park has been assigned to the Special Victims Unit since June of 2024 and thoroughly investigates domestic violence and sexual assaults. Recently, Park was assigned twelve complex cases where she executed five search warrants, two court orders, and five warrants with seven felonies and five misdemeanor charges. In addition, Park coordinated with Federal Task Force Officers and coordinated the arrest of two fugitives.

Heather Hager, DeAnna Germano, Kelly Junker - Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communication Center

The Raleigh Wake 911 Center received a call from a 3rd party that there was a patient in crisis with mental health issues. The 911 team quickly gathered all pertinent information and the patient’s location by tracking their cell phone. They then obtained a photograph of the patient and a description simultaneously. The patient was located without serious injury and successfully transported to the hospital for follow-up care. The quick actions of Team Raleigh Wake 911 saved this patient’s life and will continue to save the lives of Wake County residents in need.

Donnell Jackson, Kris Culin, Jordan St. John - Traffic Saftey Team with Cary Police Department 

Officers Jackson, Culin, and St. John possess a unique set of skills and specialized certifications, enhancing their ability to address the diverse challenges they encounter daily. As Drug Recognition Experts, Traffic Deconstructionists, and Drone Operators, they respond to complex traffic situations with expertise. In 2024 alone, they have tackled three fatal accidents and eight near-fatal incidents. Their crash reconstruction expertise has even been sought by the Garner Police Department on two occasions this year for multi-fatality incidents.

Beyond their investigative work, the Traffic Safety Team is committed to community education where they mentor young drivers, equipping inexperienced drivers with the knowledge and skills to navigate roads responsibly. They also focus on the apprehension of impaired drivers to keep our roads safe from this preventable threat.

Yoko Sorensen - Cary Fire Department

For 25 years Captain Sorensen has selflessly invested his time and efforts into improving the department and inspiring its future leaders. He has been instrumental in developing and expanding the rescue capabilities of the department. Captain Sorensen has also been heavily involved in multiple recruitment academies and teaching challenging technical rescue certification classes across the state. Additionally, he has been deployed during several NC States of Emergency situations and played an integral part in supporting the effected communities.

Amy Rhodes - Potters Hill Fire Department

Amy is a constant advocate in the Onslow and Duplin communities. She is a founding board member of Liberty Christian Academy in Richlands and leads eagerly within her

church, non-profits, and at volunteer fire department fundraisers. In addition to her firefighter and volunteer duties, she has served countless hours in the mountains of Western North Carolina to aid recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

Manly Pruitt - Wilkes County Sheriff's Office

While responding to a call, Pruitt found an 11-year-old female who was not breathing and had no pulse. He and another officer immediately started life saving measures and conducted CPR until medical personnel arrived on the scene to take over treatment. The patient was flown to Wake Forest Baptist in Winston Salem, where medical personnel accredited her life being saved to Deputy Pruitt’s quick response and action on scene.

Kristen Davis - Morehead City Fire and EMS Department

Kristen created the “Boots & Badges of the Crystal Coast” softball game between fire and police departments where money raised is given to a charity of choice or a first responder family in need. To date the game has raised an amazing $141, 000! Recently, she organized a community donation drive to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. This 5-day event resulted in 30 pallets of supplies weighing 42,382lbs.

James Alexander - Newport Police Department

Captain Alexander joined the Newport Police Department in 2008 after retiring from the Marine Corps with a distinguished career spanning 20 years. His dedication shines each morning as he greets parents and children with a smile during elementary school drop-offs. His approachable demeanor fosters trust and strengthens the bond between the department and the community.

Ethan Brown and Joseph Talley - Gastonia Police Department

Officer Talley, who was unable to attend today, and Officer Brown responded to a domestic situation involving an individual armed with multiple firearms. Despite numerous commands, the individual refused to comply, leading to an intense gunfight. Both Officer Brown and the suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the exchange.

Amid the chaos, Officer Talley immediately provided critical medical aid to Officer Brown and ensured his transport to safety. Remarkably, Officer Talley refused to leave the scene, staying to render assistance to the suspect until advanced life support providers arrived.

Their actions exemplify extraordinary courage, with both officers placing the safety and well-being of others above their own lives, even in the face of extreme danger.

Keith McCabe - Gaston County Sheriff's Office

Chief McCabe has spent over 30 years serving citizens in Catawba, Gaston, and our country with the Army Reserve. After a successful career at the Gastonia Police Department, Keith joined the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office where he implemented new technology to better assist the officers in the jail to become more efficient with their duties. He also oversees the jail investigation team to combat the Fentanyl and Opioid crisis.

Ricky Perez - City of Gastonia Fire Department

Captain Perez has worked with the department for 10+ years and heads the recruitment team. He is one of the lead instructors at a local community college where he not only trains new firefighters but continually recruits for the department. He consistently finishes at the top of the field during promotional exams and continues to embody true leadership and passion for the fire service.

Timothy Kuhl - Gaston County Police Department - 911 Communications

Tim Kuhl has been the Training Supervisor for the Communications Division since 2015. Over his career, Tim has

led 46 Training Academies made up of over 100 employees. His hard work in the training program has been reflected by its retention rate at an impressive 24 out of 31 students staying with the call center post training. He also works hard to help organize the 47-hour state telecommunicator certification course serval times a year.

William Mitchell - Gaston County EMS

Captain Mitchell has served at Gaston County EMS since 1990 and was one of the inaugural members of the Tactical Paramedic Team. In 1998, Mitchell joined the US Navy Reserve and was deployed in 2003 and 2009. Upon returning from combat, he resumed his role as Operations Captain. He recently retired but rejoined the team as a guide to strengthen community relationships and train the next generation of the tactical team.