American Legion recognizes local first responders
Published 4:04 pm Thursday, March 7, 2024
Pictured from left are: Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office dispatcher Tristan Davis, Animal Control Officer Jessica Brock, and Deputy Lucy Lacore; Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department 2023 firefighter of the year Tony Altman Jr.; IOW Fire Rescue medic Katie Epperson; Windsor Police officer C. J. Griffin accepting on behalf of K-9 officer Odin; Virginia State Police Trooper Joseph Holloman III, and Rushmere Volunteer Fire Capt. Jeremy W. Epperley. Awardees not pictured are: Carrollton firefighter Gage Ruane, Isle of Wight Rescue EMT Chad Owens and Smithfield Police officer Jacob Nixon, all of whom were honored at the American Legion's Feb. 27 first responder dinner and awards ceremony. (Submitted photos)
Officer C.J. Griffin of the Windsor Police Department is pictured above with a photo of himself and his service dog Odin, which passed away in 2023 and was recognized at this year’s First Responder Awards Ceremony.
Local police, fire and rescue officials were honored at the Isle of Wight First Responder recognition dinner Tuesday, Feb. 27.
First responders from Smithfield and Isle of Wight were recognized at a ceremony and dinner on Feb. 27 at the Smithfield American Legion.
Agencies that participated include the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office,Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad, Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department, Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, and Smithfield and Windsor police departments.
The awards are presented from nominations received annually by their respective services to the American Legion and presented certificates at this annual event. Post 49 in Smithfield sponsors this program as part of the American Legion’s effort for veterans to recognize, locally and nationally, the contributions of First Responders to their communities.
This year, the Windsor Police Department elected to recognize their K-9 Officer Odin that passed away over the past year. This was the first time the Legion has recognized a service dog locally.
