To thank local police and firefighters for the services they provide every day, the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce began a program three years ago to recognize Police and Firefighters of the Year.
This year's crop was recently honored during an awards ceremony in Ringgold.
"I shudder to think what our lives would be like without them," Chamber President and CEO Martha Eaker said of the impetus behind the awards. "Every day, they put their lives on the line for us. They are some of the finest citizens that we have, and it's important to honor people that we depend on."
The Chamber does not select the honorees, but instead relies on the area police and fire departments to choose whom should be recognized. The respective chiefs are then asked to present the award and introduce each winner at the ceremony.
"They work with these guys every day and know what they do and the extra miles they go," Eaker said.
Here, they explain what is special about each one.
Catoosa County Deputy of the Year, Deputy Marvin Clay Thompson
"Deputy Marvin Clay Thompson received this award because of his initiative to better himself and others. He is a go-to deputy to get a task done. He is a domestic violence officer, traffic enforcement and field training officer. In 2016, he received a Lifesaver Award for performing CPR and saving a life." - Sheriff Gary Sisk
Catoosa County Fireman of the Year, Lt. Chris McCormack
"Lt. [Chris] McCormack is a well-known and well-respected officer among the department. He is known for his dedication to the Catoosa County Fire Department, his crew and the citizens of Catoosa County. Many of Lt. McCormack's peers recognize him for his leadership skills and the knowledge that he is always willing to share with others. Many in the department consider Lt. McCormack to be a mentor, and know they can depend on him, regardless of the issue, knowing that he will encourage them to go above and beyond while boosting morale." - Catoosa County Fire Department administration
Fort Oglethorpe Police Officer of the Year, Lt. John McGrath
"Lt. McGrath has exercised positive influence throughout the department and especially among the officers on his shift. I used the analogy that we all desire to be positive threads woven within our organizations to make them better places. Lt. McGrath has taken his thread and created a fabric within the department." - Police Chief Mike Helton
Fort Oglethorpe Fireman of the Year, Terry W. Warnix
"Terry has been a very active part-time personnel for our department. He is always willing to help out with extra shifts as needed. He has been a great mentor for the younger personnel. He has also shown great initiative in pursuing testing through our promotional process." - Fort Oglethorpe Fire Department administration
Ringgold Police Officer of the Year, Assistant Chief Chad Cordin
"The Ringgold Police Department Assistant Chief Chad Cardin has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to our community and our department. This is an individual who takes the time to help those in our public and those within and outside our agency on a regular basis, often giving of his own money and time. He recently, along with other members of RPD and members within our community, assisted a homeless family in getting them food, clothing and relocated to a house so their children had a safe and dry place to stay. If that was not enough, this officer went the extra mile to find the husband a job so that the husband could provide for his family." - Ringgold Police Department administration
(The city of Ringgold does not have a fire department.)
Contact Sarah Turner at 423-757-6579.