Brownwood News – VFW Post 3278 in Brownwood hosted their annual Citizen’s Public Safety and Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Awards Banquet at their post on Thursday, March 22nd.

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The opening prayer was offered by Post Chaplain Chad Brown. Post Commander James Masters led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave opening remarks.

The first awards announced were the local winners of the Voice of Democracy speech writing contest and the Patriot’s Pen essay contest.

This year’s theme for the Voice of Democracy speech writing contest was “Why My Vote Matters.” The national competition was open to 9-12th grade students. Contestants were asked to write a 3-5 minute speech on the theme. The grand prize is a $30,000 scholarship.

The Patriot’s Pen writing competition boasts a $5,000 grand prize for 6-8th grade students who submitted a 300-400 word essay on this year’s theme: “Why I Honor the American Flag.”

The winners will advance to district, then state, then nationals.

The Mather Educational Award was also given to two area teachers. Teachers noted for their work in Citizenship Education and enhance an awareness of patriotism for the betterment of the community are nominated for the award.

Those teachers will also advance to district, then state, and national levels.

Patriot’s Pen Essay Winners:

First Place $350 – Andie Tidwell

Second Place $275 – Shaleigh Baker

Third Place $200 – Logan Bishop

Voice of Democracy Essay Award Winners:

First Place $500 – Lacie Mason

Second Place $350 – Charles Crockett (unavailable for photo)

Third Place $250 – Courtney Eure

Mather Educational Award:

Elizabeth Edington $400 – Coleman High School

Kim Harvey $400 – East Elementary

Citizen’s Public Safety Awards:

Brownwood Police Department – Detective Kim Holland

Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols presented the award to Detective Holland, praising her hard work and dedication and her unique approach to law enforcement.

Brown County Sheriff’s Department – Jailer Michelle Johnson

“Michelle always does an outstanding job,” Sheriff Hill said of Johnson. “I wish I had several more employees just like her.”

Brown County Sheriff’s Department – Patrol Deputy CPL Joe Thomas

“This guy puts in hours and hours training on firearms, he’s gone above and beyond applying for new grants for the department,” Sheriff Hill said as he presented the award.

Brownwood Fire Department – Driver Matthew Campbell

“He’s one of these guys who can hear a sound on a truck and know it’s not right and get it fixed,” Captain James Lemond said as he presented the award. “He’s a great driver.”

Heart of Texas EMS – Advanced EMY Nicole Rodgers

“Nicole is always willing to step in and volunteer,” figured out technical problems with the computer system. “She juggles a very hectic schedule,” mom makes all her kids events, and still has never called in sick to work.

Heart of Texas Veteran’s Clinic – Betty Reigle

“I don’t know what this VA Clinic would do without this woman,” said her award presenter. “She’s been there since the beginning, 19 years. Betty is a veteran herself, serving in the United States Air Force.”

TDCJ Havins Unit – Correctional Officer, LSM III Dennis Kelly

“He was going to work at 4 a.m. in the morning, and stopped to help a lady and her son that had been in an accident on the way to the hospital. I feel he’s dedicated and committed to helping,” Kelly’s commanding officer said as he presented the award.