Port City Heroes honor six ‘Officers of the Year’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Six men and women who are making a major impact in the community were honored in a first of its kind law enforcement event on Saturday.

The Port City Heroes mission is to “Serve, Honor, and Inspire”, and that’s just what the non-profit organization did at their first Officer Appreciation Banquet.

The first event spotlighted the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the Greater Wilmington area.

WWAY’s Daniel Seamans emceed the event. Hundreds of people in the law enforcement community spent the evening at the First Baptist Church Activities Center in Wilmington. The ceremony was led by Timothy Hutto, president of Port City Heroes. Hutto is a former WWAY Extraordinary Person of the Week for his work to support and rally the community to show appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day.

“Ya know they’re local heroes. They’re on 24/7 and to let them know that someone has their back. And that we appreciate them more than all the negativity and the publicity they get that’s negative.” Hutto said.

The six Port City Heroes “Officers of the Year” are:
(Descriptions courtesy of PCH)
Detective Dean Olinger:
Olinger has served the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office for 13  years with more than 8 years in specialized units. With less than two years on the  ABC Unit, he is responsible for 10% of all underage drinking apprehensions and
5% of all alcohol charges by an ABC officer in North Carolina. When he is off duty he enjoys spending time with his best friend, who is also his wife, and his two children or playing a round of golf.

First Sergeant Dennis Kudro:
The Section Unit Leader of the Sheriff’s Community Inmate Worker Program, First Sergeant Dennis Kudro, passionately heads up the First Choice Program, working with the community to reach out to at-risk young people. First Sergeant Kudro
has been described as a supervisor who does not take a back seat, he is hands-on with his work and is a motivation to those he works with. In his off duty time he spends his time with his wife Marilyn and enjoys good movies.

Deputy Phillip Cortes:
Deputy Phillip Cortes is a key member of the Judicial Services Division of the New Hanover County Sherriff’s Department. His hard work, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond in service to the department and community exemplify
the role of Honor Guard Deputy. He was recognized in 2015 for his work in Superior Court and continues to serve with excellence both in the courts and on special assignments and details. When not on duty, Deputy Cortes enjoys
spending time with his wife and playing the piano, though his wife may say “learning” to play the piano.

Lieutenant Robert Johnson:
For over 18 years, Lieutenant Robert Johnson has served the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. In 2015 he brought his knowledge, innovation, dedication to the Support Services Division where changes he developed and implemented are projected to save the Sheriff’s office up to $50,000 annually. He is also serving as a volunteer in the Community Dialogue Circles between the Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, and UNCW. When off duty he enjoys being a grandfather and working out.

Detective Virginia Blake:
Detective Virginia Blake joined the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office 6 years ago and 3 years ago was assigned to the Crime Scene Investigation Section. After only one year in the division she became the Quality Assurance Director for the
Section’s AXCLD/LAB Accreditation. Her work in that role led to the department being found in full compliance as well as praised by the lead assessor. She trains new investigators and has fostered an impeccable reputation with other area
agencies. When she is off duty, Detective Blake enjoys time with her husband as well as her nieces and nephews. She is also a skilled bow hunter.

Master Deputy Sean Dixon:
Master Deputy Sean Dixon consistently serves selflessly as a member of the Patrol Division. His quick thinking and calm actions taken to stabilize an accident victim before paramedics arrived were key in saving the life of the victim. Most recently, Master Deputy Dixon and his K9 were able to track a little girl who is now safely back with her family after less than 24 h
ours missing. His dedication to serving his community is evident. In his off duty time he enjoys spending time with his wife
Tina and his son and being outdoors.

For more information on Port City Heroes, click here.