City recognizes officers, firemen for dedication
Lee, Dallas praise work of personnel during trying year of Covid pandemic
Members of the Forrest City Fire and Police Departments were recognized by the city council this week for their hard work and dedication to the community during 2020.
Forrest City Mayor Cedric Williams presented Police Chief Deon Lee and Fire Chief Shane Dallas with certificates of leadership during the recognition held during the council meeting this week.
"To Chief Deon Lee and Chief Dallas, for your exemplary leadership of the Forrest City Police Department and the Forrest City Fire Department," said Williams as he presented the certificates. "Thank you for your astounding ability to motivate your staff and to produce remarkable results, especially in the environment we dealt with in 2020. We appreciate both of you for your leadership to your individual departments and the difference you've made for all our citizens of Forrest City."
Williams then opened the floor for each chief to honor individuals in their departments.
"As we all know, 2020 was a challenging year for all of us, especially for law enforcement, due to the Covid-19 situation, we are still dealing with, and all of the officer shootings around the country," said Lee.
Lee said it is difficult to recruit and retain officers during such times but said he has several men apply to attend the police academy to obtain certification.
"We have a group of men who have accepted that challenge and have come aboard and seem very promising," said Lee.
Lee recognized Jake Powers, Willie Wright, Kevin Hollingsworth, Carl Cannon and
Michael Coleman for their work in the patrol department.
The FCPD also had several rising stars despite the challenges, according to Lee. "Every year we give out our Rising Star to our guys who show a lot of promise," he said. According to Lee, officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to help, officers who are proactive, motivated and good for morale are officers who are considered for the award.
Lee named Curtis Davis as one of the rising stars. "His current assignment is Stewart’s ( Elementary) Resource Officer, but he is a very sharp guy," said Lee who said Gains had only been with the force for two or three years. "Anything you ask of him he'll do it. If he is at home and you call him, he comes in."
Christopher Collins, a patrolman, was also named a Rising Star. According to Lee, Collins is also a great, young, motivated officer who wants to help improve the community.
"If we can retain these guys, there is a lot of promise in both of them," said Lee.
Detective Eugene Watlington was named Officer of the Year for his actions during a shooting on Feb. 10 at Walmart where he was shot several times while confronting a subject causing a disturbance in the business. The subject was killed in the shootout with police in which Detective Eric Varner was also shot in the arm.
"Prior to his injury, Eugene did a lot of good work for us," said Lee. "He's a great guy and knows his job. There is no doubt they saved lives that day."
Fire Chief Shane Dallas said 2020 was the busiest year in the history of the fire department.
According to Dallas, the department finished the year
responding to 2,210 calls, comparing that number to 2006 when they answered 350 calls.
"Thank you for giving us this opportunity to recognize some great guys we have here," said Dallas." They do tremendous work day in and day out."
Dallas recognized four different crews for several incidents that took place last year in which the departments worked well together.
"Everybody remembers the incident at Walmart where our officers were shot," said Dallas.
Dallas said that typically, the FCFD waits until the police department gives the all clear be fore entering a situation.
"Because they were given the report that two officers were shot and down, I had several of my men take it upon themselves to go in before it was safe in the hopes of being able to save someone's life," said Dallas. "And I truly believe they were instrumental in helping save Detective Watlington's life that day."
Dallas said that due to their bravery, FCFD Fire Marshal Jeremy Sharp, Capt. Zakk Jumper, Firefighter Austin Hastings and EMSA Director Paramedic Steven Brown received the Medal of Valor, the highest recognition the department can award.
"It is a medallion award that they have earned the privilege of wearing with their Class A dress uniform," said Dallas. "We are extremely proud to be able to give them that. It is the highest award we have."
Dallas awarded Sharp, along with firefighters Terry Cox, Justin Sharp and Cody Talley with the Life Saving Award for removing an unresponsive and pulseless driver from a vehicle in front of the police department, starting CPR and shocking the driver with AED in the street before EMS arrived.
"On Aug. 17, we had a vehicle in front of the police department that we were dispatched over for what we believed was a diabetic," said Dallas.
Dallas said after the crew began life- saving procedures EMS arrived and took over. "And that citizen is alive because of that crew,” he said.
The Life Saving Award was presented a second time, this time to Fire Marshal Jeremy Sharp, Lt. Chris Ray, and firefighters Justin Sharp and Tyler Thorn for responding to a home in Beech Grove to find a resident in cardiac arrest and administering CPR until EMS arrived.
"When they arrived at the residence, they noticed the resident was taking his last breaths," said Dallas. "They realized the situation they were in and immediately began CPR. The citizen lived because of those actions."
Dallas also awarded Capt. Jeff Simpson, and firefighters Wesley Douglas and Keaton
Sandage with a Life Saving Award for responding to a home and administering CPR until EMS arrived.
"They found an unresponsive person and immediately began CPR until EMS arrived," said Dallas. "And the patient lived because we were able to perform before EMS was able to get there."
Dallas also recognized individuals for
2020 who were chosen for honors by their peers.
"They decide who the best of the best is among themselves ," said Dallas. "This year they were given ceremonial sheaf plaques as a token to honor their accomplishments.”
FCFD Chaplain and Firefighter Frank McMillion was named part- paid fire fighter of the year.
Firefighters Thweatt and Austin Hastings tied for Rookie of the Year. Firefighter Justin Sharp was chosen as Firefighter of the Year, and Jumper was named Officer of the Year by their peers.
"I also want to honor one of our long- time members who retired effective Jan. 1," said Dallas. "Captain Rocky Love put in 32 years at the Forrest City Fire Department.”
According to Dallas, Love started as a part- time firefighter and rose to the rank of captain during his 32- year career. “We want to wish him the best in his retirement," said Dallas.
"It is my honor to be leading and supporting such a great group of first responders," Dallas concluded.
“Everybody remembers the incident at Walmart where our officers were shot.” – FCFD Chief Shane Dallas
“They realized the situation they were in and immediately began CPR. The citizen lived because of those actions.” – FCFD Chief Shane Dallas