Amory Rotary honors Firefighter & Police Officer of the year

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – First responders put in long hours and make many sacrifices to keep our communities safe, many times without a lot of appreciation.

But Thursday, an Amory civic group recognized the top police officer and firefighter for that city.

For the president of Amory’s Rotary Club, honoring the city’s police officer and firefighter of the year is a way to recognize those he views as his extended family.

“It means a lot to me, growing up here in Amory my Dad was Fire Chief up until I was around 25-years-old, so this is probably my favorite program of the year,” said Amory Rotary Club President Wesley Bost.

This year’s pick for top firefighter couldn’t attend the ceremony, because he is training for his new career path as a Mississippi Highway Patrol Officer.

Jason Young’s mother accepted the award on his behalf.

“He has been a very dedicated fireman, he has spent more time with them then he has at home,” said Annie Young.

Winners of the police officer and firefighter of the year awards are not chosen by their chiefs.

They are selected by their co-workers.

They say that makes the award even more special.

The vote for police officer of the year was a tie, so two patrolmen claimed the honor and they both served in the U.S. Marines, before starting their law enforcement career.

“It means the world, when I came here, I was nervous about coming to the Amory Police Department but they welcomed me open arms and they taught me a lot,” said Amory Police Officer Matt Flippo.

“My job in Marine Corps, I was in infantry majority of career, those skills really don’t translate very well into any other profession besides law enforcement and it gave me the tools and skills that make this job easier,” said Amory Police Officer Jake Hall.

Officers Flippo and Hall both look forward to serving their community for years to come.

This marks the eighth year the Amory Rotary Club has hosted the Police Officer and Firefighter of the year awards lunch.