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American Legion Post 49 in Smithfield, at a June 7 ceremony, presented plaques to 12 Isle of Wight emergency responder employees or volunteers nominated by their organizations for superior service. Commander Jerry Starling, shown addressing attendees in a photo above, presented framed certificates. This was the first time in three years the Legion has been able to make the presentations due to COVID-19 restrictions. Starling said the post was pleased to be able to reinvigorate the program and recognize those “who are critical to the safety of our community and our families.”

In the group photo above are, from left, dispatcher Amanda Watts of the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, firefighter Bryon Jones of the Rushmere Volunteer Fire Department, Sheriff’s Deputy Russell B. Warren, Virginia State Police Trooper Michael D. Harville, Isle of Wight Animal Control Officer Amber A. Sutter, Smithfield Police Officer Kate Wahl, emergency medical technician Wayne Hall of the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad, Lt. Alexander Cohn-White of the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, Lt. Nick Crumpler of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, paramedic Crystal Gravel of Isle of Wight County Emergency Services, Windsor Master Police Officer Williford D. Owens Jr. and EMT Chuck Glasco of the Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad.