Haywood County officials celebrate Hometown Heroes at Brownsville ceremony

Mayor Bill Rawls welcomed everyone to their 2nd Annual Celebration honoring local first responders.
Mayor Bill Rawls welcomed everyone to their 2nd Annual Celebration honoring local first responders.

Haywood County officials gathered to honor first responders during the second annual "Hometown Heroes" event at Brownsville Municipal Court.

City, local and state officials gathered alongside community members to show their support of  hometown heroes last Friday.

Unsung heroes from the police, fire, ambulance and rescue squads along with sheriff's deputies were honored by their captains.

Ambulance services honored longtime hero, Donnie King for his dedication. He has served the department for over 40 years, and Friday marked his official last day before retirement.

Donnie King, longtime AMS responder, received a plaque and is officially retired.
Donnie King, longtime AMS responder, received a plaque and is officially retired.

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, 8th District, and state Rep. Johnny Shaw, D-Bolivar, were keynote speakers, both praising the heroes for their dedication. Shaw represents District 80, which includes Haywood, Hardeman and Madison counties.

"It is an honor to stand and serve the fire department. It is a blessing to recognize them for the job they do," Brownsville Fire Chief David Smith said. "They do it tirelessly without complaining and never waiver. No matter how tough it gets, they never quit."

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Shaw said the event exemplifies the sacrifice that first responders give to America and their hometown communities in time and service helping others.

"This event is so important," Shaw said. "It is the epitome of our pledge to the flag. These responders demonstrate what it means every day in what they do."

Johnny Shaw, Clayburn Peeples, David Kustoff, and Billy Garrett, Jr. were ready to celebrate local first responders on Friday.
Johnny Shaw, Clayburn Peeples, David Kustoff, and Billy Garrett, Jr. were ready to celebrate local first responders on Friday.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Hometown heroes celebrated in Haywood County