American Legion Honors First Responders

Five public servants from the county were honored during an awards ceremony held Thursday night at the Clayton American Legion.

(Left to right) Post-71 Adjutant Ken Parker, Johnston County EMS of the Year Captain-Paramedic Ted Hardy, 2nd Vice commander David “Slammer” Sammons, North Carolina Highway Patrol of the Year Trooper H. D. Nazal, Johnston County Deputy Sheriff of the Year Detective Randy Ackley, Clayton Police Officer of the Year Jeff Young, Clayton Fireman of the Year Daryle Harris, Post-71 Commander Devell “Bull” Durham, and Post-71 1st Vice commander Eugene “Beanie” Eckerson.
(Left to right) Post-71 Adjutant Ken Parker, Johnston County EMS of the Year Captain-Paramedic Ted Hardy, 2nd Vice commander David “Slammer” Sammons, North Carolina Highway Patrol of the Year Trooper H. D. Nazal, Johnston County Deputy Sheriff of the Year Detective Randy Ackley, Clayton Police Officer of the Year Jeff Young, Clayton Fireman of the Year Daryle Harris, Post-71 Commander Devell “Bull” Durham, and Post-71 1st Vice commander Eugene “Beanie” Eckerson.

American Legion Leonard Moore Post 71 pauses each year to recognize the service of local fire responders.  The five honored were voted as the “top performers” for 2015.

“Every Veteran understands the sacrifice you give daily to your community,” Commander Bo “Bull” Durham reminded each award recipient. “Oftentimes the good goes unreported.Tonight every Legionnaire wanted to reach out to say thank you for the good that you do and to let each of you know we stand side by side and prepared to help our first responders when called upon.”   

Among the winners were: Paramedic Captain Ted Hardy, Johnston County EMS Person of the Year; Trooper H.D. Nazal, NC Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year; Detective Randy Ackley, Johnston County Deputy Sheriff of the Year; Officer Jeff Young, Clayton Police Officer of the Year; and Daryle Harris, Clayton Fireman of the Year.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR