Several honored for commitment and courageous acts at annual Law & Order
Julie Pollock Elliott
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the American Legion Post #173 held their annual Law & Order ceremony which honors the local fire departments, law enforcement and e.m.s. The evening is dedicated to showing appreciation for all local first responders where 3 different categories receive awards; EMS Provider of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and Officer of the Year. A dinner provided by the Legion and Women’s Auxiliary is also enjoyed by all that attend after the conclusion of the ceremony.
The ceremony started with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. First up was a presentation from Legion member Mark Kieffer for EMS Provider of the Year which was humbly accepted by Trevor Humphrey. Trevor is described as “the type of person who will be the first to give other people credit but the last to take credit for himself.” Humphrey is known for his ability to stay calm in any situation which allows him to provide the best possible care for each and every patient. He has been in this field since 2016 and is a great mentor and teacher to those around him.
Keith Copeland, Commander of Post #173, presented the next award for Firefighter of the Year. Most years, this award is handed out to one outstanding individual, however, after a courageous act by a father-son duo, this year the award was presented to two very deserving firefighters.
Gary Thomas, unit 717 and second generation firefighter of 36 years, and Brian Thomas, unit 730, serve as great examples as to why First Responders are so important in the community. October 7, 2024 was a day in which proved this exact example. Gary and Brian were nearby when at approximately 5:31 p.m., the Friendship Fire Dept. was dispatched along with EMS to County Road 900 South with the report of a 3 year old male that had drowned.
The two made it on scene in just under 4 minutes to the blue, breathless 3-year-old and his parents on the pool deck. Resuscitation efforts began, along with evacuating water from the child’s lungs, ventilation/rescue breathing and CPR. The child had a pulse and gained color back. The child was flown to Cincinnati Children’s for further care. Due to their immediate efforts, the story ends with the 3 year-old boy spending a week in the hospital and making a full recovery.
The third and final award was given out by Financial Officer Roger Kavanaugh. It may have been the last award presented, however, extreme emotion and gratitude was shown by a standing ovation across the room when Renee Holt proceeded forward to accept the award for Officer of the Year on behalf of her late husband, Lieutenant Randy Holt.
Lieutenant Holt lost his battle to cancer in 2024 but is remembered by his extraordinary service and unwavering dedication to the citizens of Ripley County. In the presentation speech it is noted by Kavanaugh, “For over 30 years, you stood as a guardian of justice, a mentor to countless officers, and a pillar of integrity within our community. Your leadership, compassion, and commitment shaped the lives of those you served and those who had the privilege to serve beside you……With profound gratitude, we honor your memory and your service.”
