Kiwanis Club honors heroes

Jackson, Tennessee, Sun
http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080822/NEWS01/808220305/1002

The Kiwanis Club of Jackson honored and thanked those who place their lives in danger daily at a meeting this past week.

The club presented its annual awards to Jackson and Madison County firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and police officers. The event was held at the Holiday Inn.

The honorees were: Carl Alexander, Madison County firefighter of the year; Jeffery Fitzgerald, Madison County Sheriff’s department officer of the year; Matthew Gay, Jackson firefighter of the year; and Rochell Staten, Jackson police officer of the year.

Alexander joined the Madison County Fire Department in 1990 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1992. He also serves as an instructor with the Jackson Fire Department. He is trained in vehicle response safety, hazardous materials, breathing apparatus, and vehicle fires.

“A lot of other people could have been up to accept this award, so I will accept it in behalf of all my fellow firefighters,” he said.

Fitzgerald began working as a patrol officer with the Madison County sheriff’s office in 1982 and serves as the commander of the violent crimes unit. He has several certifications and has received many letters of commendation.

“I’m doing something I love and can’t imagine doing anything else,” Fitzgerald said.

Gay joined the Madison County fire department as a volunteer at age 17 and joined the Jackson Fire Department in 1998. He is certified as a hazardous materials and emergency medical technician.
During the February 5 tornado, Gay was one of the rescuers who worked to extricate the Union University students trapped in their dorm rooms. The Discovery Channel recently interviewed Gay for a documentary on the tornado.

“This is more nerve-wracking than talking to the Discovery Channel,” Gay joked after he accepted the award. “I am very humbled by this honor.”

Staten began her law enforcement career as a correctional officer in Tiptonville in 1997. She joined the Jackson police department in 2004 and is a patrol officer.

She has received training in handling sexual assault and domestic violence and analyzing investigations.
“Thank you so much to the chief (Staples), my captain, and my family,” Staten said.

Jackson mayor Jerry Gist and Madison County mayor Jimmy Harris also read citations declaring Aug. 21, 2008, as Alexander, Fitzgerald, Gay, and Staten Day.

“I am so proud of all the firefighters and officers that do what they do every day,” Gist said.
During the ceremony, the spouses of the honorees also were recognized for their contributions.