Hoover chamber honors police and fire departments with awards

At the Feb.19 luncheon, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce recognized the fire and police officers of the year for 2014.

The department chiefs had each department head or fire station make recommendations and nominations for the awards. Supervisors nominating members of their departments were asked to answer basic questions regarding the nominee.

Hoover Fire Department

Hoover Fire Chief John Wingate introduced the fire department awards.

"We didn't select these people for one single act of bravery but rather for their honor, character and reputation," Wingate said. "It it is the integrity of the person that is most important."

Wanda Durrett- Paramedic of the Year

Michael Thorin- Firefighter of the Year

Hoover Police Department

Police Chief Nick Derzis introduced the police departments awards and credited the decrease in burglaries in 2014 for making it a great year for the department.

Police Officer of the Year- James Bullock

(Other nominees were Wayne Weems, Mike Lucas and Kim Quattlebaum)

Detention Officer of the Year- Joseph Ritchey

911 Operator of the Year-Kim Jones

Turner Batson Architects sponsored the Firefighter of the Year, Paramedic of the Year, and the 911 Operator of the Year awards. Hendrick Automotive sponsored Police Officer of the Year Award and the Detention Officer of the Year awards. 

The next Chamber luncheon will be Thursday, March 19. To attend, please make your reservations no later than Monday, March 16 by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Dunbar at admin@hooverchamber.org.  Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting at noon. The luncheon is $20, or $22 for anyone without prior reservations, payable at the door. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive.