First Responders Honored at Dinner Saturday Night

BENTON, KY – It was an emotional night as emergency responders in Marshall County gathered to reflect on a year of public service and to remember two Kentucky State Police Troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2015. Plans to construct a new Emergency Responder’s Honor Plaza in Mike Miller Park was also announced.

The seventh annual Marshall County Emergency Responder’s Appreciation Dinner was held Saturday evening at the high school. Volunteer Fire Fighter and Youth Pastor, Jason Medley laid the foundation for the night during invocation. He explained one governing thought for all first responders, “We go because of those in need.”

A table sitting ceremony was conducted to honor the lives of first responders who have passed away. A member of law enforcement, emergency medical services, the rescue squad and fire department gathered at a small table and a moment of silence was observed. All attendees were asked to stand and salute as a tribute.

Trooper Eric K. Chrisman died in a two-vehicle accident near Kentucky Dam earlier this year and Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder was fatally shot during a pursuit in Lyon County. The two remained a prevalent topic of remembrance throughout the night. Kentucky State Troopers in attendance were recognized and it was announced that Saturday, October 24, would have been Ponder’s birthday.

Also honored with a Congressional Citation from Congressman Ed Whitfield was Marshall County Deputy Cory Curtner for his efforts during an August-call out where an uncooperative suspect sat with a loaded gun nearby as officer approached. It was Deputy Curtner who had made his way around the back of the house, who saw the suspect with the gun just prior to the officer’s making entrance. Marshall County Deputy Nathan Maxlow presented the award to Curtner and credited him with saving his life.

An unveiling was also conducted at the dinner on Saturday as County Attorney Jeff Edwards announced plans for a new Emergency Responder’s Honor Plaza to be located in Mike Miller Park. Preliminary plans suggest the plaza will likely be located adjacent to the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza. Edwards thanked the Marshall County Parks board and members of the Fiscal Court who have voiced their support for the project.

E-911 Director Misti Drew, was awarded and named Marshall County first responder’s, ‘biggest fan.’ Many claimed they would be lost without her leadership, and praised Drew for the time and effort put forth to make this year’s dinner a success. “Misti always has our back,” a fellow dispatcher proclaimed.

Drew announced the renaming of the Marshall County Dispatch Center to the Marsha Penny Dispatch Center to honor longtime dispatch veteran and previous E-911 Director Marsha Penney. Penney was also awarded a pioneer award. “Marsha will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We owe it to her for pioneering E-911 services in Marshall County,” said Drew.

Scholarship awards were also given this year to three Marshall County students including Jonathan Burke, William Forbis and Hunter Dunnigan.

Two local businesses also made check presentations at the dinner for officer safety projects in the county. Jennifer Fisk of Remax presented a check for $3,500 and Misti Wagner, on behalf of Janssen Northington of Choppers donated nearly $200 to assist with the ongoing efforts to keep local officers safe on the streets.

Among those honored with the 2015 Pioneer award were former EMS Director and current Air Evac Program Director Mark Harrison, former Possum Trot Sharpe Fire Department Chief Clete Collins, Calvert City Police Chief David Elliott, former Marshall County E-11 Director Marsha Penney, former Marshall County Special Deputy and the current head of Court Security Ricky Inman, and Marshall County Rescue Squad member Bobby Cole. Each of the award recipients were honored with a standing ovation. All of the Pioneer awards were sponsored by local attorney Don Thomas in honor of Trooper Cameron Ponder who was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop.

Community Financial Services Bank sponsored numerous agency awards presented to: Benton Fire Department, Gilbertsville Fire Department, Possum Trot Fire Department, West Marshall Fire Department, Aurora – Ross Fire Department, Fair Dealing Fire Department, East Marshall Fire Department, Calvert City Fire Department, Palma-Briensburg Fire Department, South Marshall Fire Department, USDA Park Rangers, Marshall County Emergency Management, Marshall County Coroner’s Office, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marshall County Health Department, The American Red Cross, Marshall County Emergency Medical Services, Air-Evac, Marshall County Rescue Squad, Marshall County E-911, Benton Police Department, Calvert City Police Department and The Kentucky State Police.